WASHINGTON — Iran unveiled the latest generation of its Fateh ballistic missile on Monday. Iranian Defense Minister Brig. Gen. Amir Hatami said the indigenously designed munition was an “agile, radar-evading and tactical missile with pinpoint accuracy,” semiofficial Tasnim News Agency reported.
It has reportedly been successfully test fired.
Tasnim publicized the new short-range ballistic missile called the Fateh-e Mobin, or Bright Conqueror, which is said to have a range between 300-500 kilometers. For Hatami, this new missile demonstrates Iran’s commitment to bolster what he characterizes as defensive capabilities.
“As I had promised the Iranian nation, I will spare no effort to boost the country’s missile capabilities, and we will certainly increase our missile power every day,” Hatami said. “[W]ith a powerful, smart and up-to-date defense industry, we will be able to preserve peace and stability, and today, the enemies are fully aware of the Islamic Republic’s defense power.”
During naval exercises in the Strait of Hormuz that took place in the first week of August, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched an anti-ship variant of the Fateh-100 Mod 3 from its base in Bandar-e-Jask in southeastern Iran. The missile flew more than 100 miles on a flight path over the strait to a test range in the Iranian desert, Fox News reported. This was the first test-fire of an Iranian ballistic missile in over a year, and the first test of a Fateh missile since March 2017. It is unknown if the missile struck its target.
Last year, two Fatehs were fired at a floating barge target 155 kilometers from Bandar-e-Jask, according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies' Missile Defense Project. One missile missed the barge but was “in the vicinity” of the target. The second missile, fired the next day, hit its mark.
The Fateh-e Mobin is not the only new missile Iran has shown off this year. In April 2018, Iran displayed an unidentified air-launched cruise missile during Iran’s Army Day parade. Marked with initials of the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force, the missile features trapezoidal grid fins ― most commonly associated with U.S. missiles ― and a seeker in the tip.
Daniel Cebul is an editorial fellow and general assignments writer for Defense News, C4ISRNET, Fifth Domain and Federal Times.
