Iran develops supersonic cruise missile

Iranian military scientists have gained the technical know-how to manufacture a cruise missile capable of travelling at supersonic speeds.

The homegrown cruise missile, designed and manufactured by local experts, is currently in the test stage, Tasnim News Agency reports.

Known as a new generation of Iranian cruise missiles, the supersonic projectile will open a new chapter in Iran’s defence technologies, as it is extremely difficult to intercept a cruise missile flying at supersonic speeds.

Before the development of this high-tech product, Iranian cruise missiles used a rocket takeoff engine for the launching of the missile and a homegrown turbojet engine, dubbed Tolu’ (sunrise), for the second stage.

The employment of ramjet engines in the naval cruise missiles and the development of supersonic cruise missiles will greatly enhance Iran’s response power in case of any military conflict and prevent the invading forces from showing timely reaction.

A ramjet is a form of air-breathing engine that uses the forward motion of the engine to take in air for combustion that produces jet thrust. Ramjets work most efficiently at supersonic speeds around Mach 3 and can operate up to speeds of Mach 6.

On May 6, Fars News Agency said that Iran's navy had been supplied with Abu Mahdi cruise missiles with a range of 1,000 km. The missile has been described as a surface-to-surface one that can be fired from coastal platforms and launchers.