Iran Unveils Fattah-2, a Hypersonic Ballistic Missile Claimed to Challenge Missile Defense Systems

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ICARO Media Group
Politics
19/11/2023 18h31

Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, visited the Revolutionary Guards Aerospace Force center on Sunday to unveil the Fattah-2, a new Iranian-produced ballistic missile. Iran claims that the Fattah-2 can travel at hypersonic speeds, posing potential challenges to missile defense systems.

Hypersonic weapons, capable of flying at speeds exceeding Mach 5 or five times the speed of sound, present difficulties for missile defense systems due to their rapid velocity and maneuverability. By following irregular flight paths, these missiles become harder to intercept, making them a significant concern for countries relying on anti-missile measures.

Iran had previously introduced the Fattah missile system in June, asserting its capability to reach Mach 15, fifteen times the speed of sound. While China and the United States are believed to be actively pursuing hypersonic weapons, Russia claims to have already deployed them and asserted their usage in the Ukrainian conflict. However, the speed and maneuverability of the missiles do not guarantee successful target strikes, as evidenced by Ukraine's claim to have shot down a Russian hypersonic Kinzhal missile with a Patriot battery in May.

The Gulf Arab countries, aligned with the United States, widely employ the Patriot missile system for regional defense. Israel, Iran's main rival in the Middle East, also possesses robust air defense systems of its own.

The unveiling of the Fattah-2 reinforces Iran's commitment to advancing its missile capabilities, particularly in terms of speed and maneuverability. The development adds a new dimension to the ongoing arms race, with multiple countries seeking to enhance their offensive capabilities and counter existing defenses.

As Iran continues to develop its hypersonic ballistic missile technology, the international community remains watchful of its potential implications for regional security dynamics. The unveiling of the Fattah-2 serves as a reminder of the continuous efforts by various countries to stay ahead in the realm of missile technology, raising concerns about the potential destabilization of the already fragile geopolitical landscape.

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