Why in News?
Iran recently released footage showing the missile being deployed within highly fortified underground bunkers, signaling enhanced survivability against pre-emptive strikes. The display of these missiles coincides with rising tensions and indirect talks with the United States in Muscat, Oman, serving as a strategic signal of military readiness.
Key Technical Specifications
- Type: Medium-range ballistic missile (MRBM).
- Range: An official operational range of 2,000 km, capable of reaching Israel and most U.S. bases in the Middle East.
- Payload: Carries a massive 1,500 kg to 1,800 kg warhead, one of the heaviest in Iran’s fleet.
- Speed: Reaches Mach 16 outside the atmosphere and Mach 8 during re-entry.
- Fuel: Uses hypergolic (self-igniting) liquid fuel, which can be stored in the missile for years, reducing launch preparation time to under 15 minutes.
- Accuracy: Features a mid-phase navigation system allowing it to correct its course while outside the atmosphere, with a margin of error (CEP) of 10–30 metres.
Strategic Features
- Multi-Target Capability: Reportedly capable of striking up to 80 targets upon reaching the target area.
- No Grid Fins: Unlike previous variants, it lacks external fins, using internal guiding micromotors for path adjustment, which reduces its radar signature.
- Evasive Maneuvers: Designed to zigzag during re-entry to bypass advanced air defence systems like the Arrow-3 or THAAD.
- EW Resistance: The warhead can disable its own guidance system during re-entry to become invulnerable to electronic warfare jamming.
Download Pdf
