Iran’s Paveh missile enters spotlight

Iran's new Paveh cruise missile has entered the spotlight in a strategic shift that could significantly impact regional security.  

The recent Army-24 defence and military exhibition in Russia has concluded, and it featured the Islamic Republic of Iran's Paveh cruise missile, according to Spanish attendees. This missile represents a significant achievement for Iran's domestic defense industry, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.  

Introduced in August 2023, the Paveh missile underscores Tehran's growing capabilities in developing homegrown weaponry. With a notable range of 1,650 kilometres (1,025 miles), it classifies as a long-range cruise missile, enabling Iran to target locations throughout the Middle East and beyond. This extended range is crucial for Iran, allowing potential strikes on adversaries in the Persian Gulf, Israel, US military bases in the region, and even parts of Europe.  

Designed for ground-based launches, the Paveh missile is primarily deployed via mobile launchers, which enhances its strategic flexibility. While current adaptations are not announced, experts suggest that the missile could potentially be modified for deployment from naval vessels or submarines in the future. Despite these possibilities, the missile's current form already significantly enhances Iran's missile capabilities. A major feature of the Paveh cruise missile is its sophisticated guidance system. 

It likely uses a blend of inertial navigation (INS) and satellite-based systems (GPS/GLONASS) for mid-course adjustments, ensuring high accuracy over long distances. During the missile's final approach, it may employ advanced technologies such as terrain contour matching (TERCOM) or digital scene-matching area correlation (DSMAC), which allow it to refine targeting by comparing real-time images of its environment with preloaded maps. These technologies are vital for the missile's precision, particularly when targeting well-defended or strategic locations.  

The Paveh's flight profile is designed for stealth and evasion. It operates at low altitudes to avoid radar detection, and Iranian sources claim it has a low radar cross-section (RCS), suggesting some degree of stealth capability. Although it's uncertain if this stealth is on par with Western or Russian systems, Iran's efforts to enhance the Paveh's survivability are evident.   In terms of speed, the Paveh likely travels at subsonic speeds, approximately 800-900 km/h.

While it does not match the speed of ballistic missiles, its ability to navigate complex flight paths makes it difficult to intercept. Its turbojet engine, typical for long-range cruise missiles, enables it to cover extensive distances efficiently.   Iran has not disclosed specific details about the Paveh's warhead, but it is generally believed to carry a conventional high-explosive warhead intended to inflict significant damage on critical infrastructure, military sites, and command centers. Although there is speculation about a potential nuclear capability, no official confirmation has been provided.