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Iran Presents Long-Range Cruise and Ballistic Missiles, Again Threatens to “Erase Israel”

As the 40th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution approaches, Iran unveiled in a live broadcast its new long-range cruise missile, named the Hoveyzeh (after the city in the Khuzestan province that was almost completely destroyed during the Iran-Iraq War and is perceived as a symbol of heroism and sacrifice). The missile was shown off as part of a large exhibit displaying more than 300 weapons and “advanced technology” (including missiles, drones, ammunition, aircraft, and naval weaponry) run by the Iranian Defense Industries Organization.1 During the “Decade of Dawn,” (February 1-11, 2019) which commemorates the period of the anniversary of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini’s landing in Iran (on February 1, 1979) until the date of the actual Iranian Revolution (on February 11, 1979), Iran will show off its technological achievements in various fields, including that of the military.

Iranian Defense Minister Amir Khatami presented the cruise missile, which has a range of 1,350 km against ground targets. According to him, the cruise missile flies at a low altitude, has an accurate navigation system, is solid fueled so it can be launched quickly, and has a powerful destructive capability. Khatami stated that the cruise missile was successfully tested at 1,200 km, striking its targets with extreme accuracy. He added that this cruise missile is the next generation of such weapons, after the Somar, which has a range of 700 km, and it has increased Iran’s defense capabilities.

Various media channels in Iran reported that the cruise missile will be transferred to the Aerospace Force of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, and the Defense Ministry even publicized an undated video of the launch of the missile.2 The cruise missile was created by the Aerospace Industries Organization (AIO), which is under the jurisdiction of the Defense Industries Organization (DIO). Also present at the ceremony was the commander of the Aerospace Force of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, Amir Ali Hajizadeh.

Read More: JCPA