Iranian Defense Ministry has successfully test launched an upgraded variant of its Fateh-110 surface-to-surface missile on 4 August, amid growing international concerns over the country’s nuclear programme.
Brigadier general Ahmad Vahidi, Iranian defence minister, was quoted by Islamic Republic News Agency as saying that the fourth generation of Fateh-110 missile has a range of 300km, and can hit targets with pin-point accuracy.
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"The armed forces will be able to hit and destroy land and naval targets, the gathering points of enemy [forces], command posts, missile sites, munitions depots, radar systems, and other targets with pinpoint precision using fourth-generation Fateh 110 missiles," Vahidi said.
According to the defence minister, the missile was integrated with target-striking systems and used new guidance methods during the test flight to prove its ability to intercept the target without deviation.
"In future programmes, all missiles built by the defence ministry will be equipped with this capability."
Vahidi stressed that the missile was aimed at boosting the deterrent power of Iran, and would only be ‘used against aggressors and those who threaten the country’s interests and territorial integrity’.
The Fateh 110 is a single-stage solid-propellant, short-range ballistic missile, designed to replace the Iranian Army’s ageing Scud weapon systems.
Similar to a modified variant of the Zelzal-2 unguided missile with additional advanced navigation and control systems, the Fateh 110 initially entered operational service in 2002, with an original range of 200km.
Iran also possesses a broad range of missiles, including a Shahab-3 variant with a range of 2,000km, Sejjil surface-to-surface solid-fuel weapons, and Zelzals.
