Threats to fail to undermine Iran’s missile progress - president

It was a correct path for the country to move toward self-sufficiency in missile and defensive industries, Raisi said in Tehran on June 6 at a ceremony to unveil Fattah, Iran's first hypersonic missile which has been developed and manufactured by the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC).

The Iranian president said that unveiling new missiles has enabled Iran to expand its deterrent power, adding that such a power will bring about security and sustainable peace to the region surrounding Iran. 

In late May, Commander of the IRGC Aerospace Force Brigadier General Amir-Ali Hajizadeh had said that Iran would unveil a “significant generational leap” in its missiles sector.

Commander of the IRGC Brigadier General Hossein Salami, who was also attending Fattah's unveiling ceremony, hailed the missile as a sign of progress for Iranian young scientists and scholars.

Referring to Fattah's technological capabilities, Salami said the modern hypersonic missile can easily change its path and direction in and out of the atmosphere to escape anti-missile rockets.

The Fattah hypersonic missile has a range of 1,400 kilometres and hits speeds of Mach 13-15. The missile which has been produced by IRGC Aerospace Force specialists, is able to bypass and destroy air defense systems.

The precision-guided missile also features excellent manoeuvrability and stealth ability to pass through radar systems.

The Fattah features a moveable secondary nozzle and uses solid propellants, allowing it to reach high speeds and "perform various manoeuvres inside and outside the earth's atmosphere".

Hypersonic missiles can fly at least five times faster than the speed of sound and on a complex trajectory, which makes them difficult to intercept.

Western governments worry that satellite launch systems incorporate technologies interchangeable with those used in ballistic missiles capable of delivering a nuclear warhead, while Iran has always denied this fact. They are particularly concerned because the UN Security Council resolution 2231, which restricts missiles and related technologies, is effective until October 2023.