Iran DM Hatami: Iran to Increase Missile Range, Speed

Hatami made the remarks during the inauguration of the production line of shoulder-launched missiles and the center for manufacturing solid fuel on Saturday.

Hatami said that the Iranian Armed Forces can increase the range and speed of various missiles, adding, “Relying on astonishing knowledge and advances, the Ministry of Defense and defense industry experts have proven that they are able to produce and supply almost all the defense needs of the Armed Forces, including the Army of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps and the police, in the shortest possible time.”

“Under the tough conditions of sanctions, Defense Industries Organization has managed to take valuable steps in designing and producing various types of weapons by planning, cohesion, management and relying on totally native technology and know-how,” he noted.

“Today, no power in the world dares to encroach on our homeland due to the high preparedness of the Armed Forces,” the minister went on to say.

“The monopoly on production of such advanced [shoulder-launched] missiles is in the hand of few countries in the world, and today the Ministry of Defense has been able to indigenize and mass-produce these missiles,” Hatami stressed.

“The shoulder-launched missile is, in fact, one of the most sophisticated and effective weapons against individuals and low-altitude enemy targets,” the defense minister stated.

He continued, “The sophistication of shoulder-launched missiles technology is important in that it is simple to handle by combat forces, despite the high level of technology.”

“Such air defense shoulder-launched missiles are equal to the most modern ones in the world in terms of technology and tactical capability and are even superior to foreign models in some components.” Hatami said, adding, “Definitely, these missiles increase Iran’s defense power in asymmetric low-altitude battle.”

The Chief of Staff of Iran’s Armed Forces Major General Mohamad Baqeri also attended the inauguration ceremony of new shoulder-launched missiles.

In a relevant event in early January, the Iranian Army successfully test-fired Azarakhsh (Thunderbolt) missile from the home-grown Karrar-class drone on during the major drone drills.

Azarakhsh- air-to-air missile successfully identified and annihilated its hypothetical targets. This is the first time the missile is being used in a war-game.

The hypothetical enemies were successfully annihilated by Karrar-class drones carrying 500-pound bomb.

The Spokesman of the drills, Rear Admiral Mahmoud Mousavi, announced that constant monitoring of the borders through the drones is among the aims of the maneuver.  

“Today, the borders are being carefully monitored and observed by the Army forces via drones equipped with surveillance and electronic information systems,” Mousavi said, stressing, “The Islamic Republic of Iran’s Army is capable of giving strong response to any aggression by enemies.”