Iran showcased its inaugural domestically-produced hypersonic ballistic missile, named Fattah, as reported by the official IRNA news agency. The missile’s unveiling, attended by President Ebrahim Rahisi and commanders from Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, is anticipated to amplify Western apprehensions regarding Tehran’s missile capabilities.
The newly-revealed Fattah missile possesses the capability to travel at speeds surpassing five times the speed of sound, utilizing intricate trajectories that make interception challenging. Last year, Iran announced the development of a hypersonic ballistic missile that can maneuver within and outside of the Earth’s atmosphere.
State television emphasized that the Fattah missile, in addition to reaching speeds equivalent to Mach 14 (15,000 km/h), is designed to effectively target advanced anti-missile systems, signifying a significant advancement in missile technology.
Despite opposition from the United States and Europe, the Islamic Republic remains committed to advancing its defensive missile program. However, Western military analysts caution that Iran has occasionally exaggerated its missile capabilities.
Concerns regarding Iran’s ballistic missiles played a role in former U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw from the 2015 nuclear agreement with six major powers.
Efforts to salvage the nuclear deal between Tehran and U.S. President Joe Biden’s administration have encountered a stalemate since September of last year.
