Iran made headlines by unveiling its latest military achievement, the Fattah hypersonic missile, positioning itself as one of only four countries in the world capable of producing such advanced technology. Following in the footsteps of Russia, the United States, and China, Iran entered the hypersonic missile club, marking a significant leap in its defense capabilities.
A New Era in Iranian Military Development
The unveiling of the Fattah missile in late 2022 represents a culmination of decades of missile development in Iran. The roots of Iran’s missile program can be traced back to the aftermath of the 1979 Islamic Revolution, but it wasn’t until November 2022 that the country officially announced the creation of a hypersonic missile, promising its reveal at a later date.
How the Fattah Missile Works
The Fattah missile operates in two distinct stages. The first stage features a primary engine measuring 10 meters in length, designed to propel the missile at extraordinary speeds both inside and outside the atmosphere. This section separates from the warhead hundreds of kilometers before reaching its target.
The second stage, measuring 3.6 meters, functions as a fully independent missile. It contains a spherical engine, a warhead, and a movable nozzle that allows it to maneuver in all directions. This segment initiates after separation from the first stage, maneuvering through complex paths at various altitudes to evade enemy air defenses.
Technical Specifications of the Fattah Hypersonic Missile
- Range: 1,400 kilometers
- Speed: 13-15 Mach (13 to 15 times the speed of sound)
- Flight Duration: 400 seconds from launch to impact
- Fuel: Solid propellant
- Missile Length: 13.6 meters (First stage: 10 meters; second stage with warhead: 3.6 meters)
- Diameter: 80 centimeters
- Fins: 8
Tactical Advantages of the Fattah Missile
Iranian military officials have highlighted several key tactical features of the Fattah hypersonic missile, including:
- The ability to fly and maneuver both within and beyond the atmosphere.
- The capacity to overcome advanced air defense systems.
- The precision to target and destroy critical air defense installations.
- Dual-stage guidance, enhancing accuracy.
- A warhead equipped with a spherical engine and movable nozzle for enhanced maneuverability.
- The capability to fly at speeds exceeding five times the speed of sound, following complex paths, making it extremely difficult to intercept.
- High controllability and the potential to extend its range beyond 1,400 kilometers.
A Milestone in Iran’s Defense Industry
During the unveiling ceremony, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi hailed the Fattah missile as a significant step forward for the country, asserting that it would strengthen Iran’s defense capabilities. “Enemies can no longer threaten Iran’s military system or impose sanctions on it, as it was developed entirely by Iranian scientists,” Raisi stated.
Brigadier General Amir Ali Hajizadeh, head of the Aerospace Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), emphasized that the missile represents a “major leap” in missile technology. He added that Iran, with the Fattah missile, now joins an exclusive group of nations capable of producing such advanced weaponry. He also claimed that no existing defense system could intercept the Fattah, unlike other conventional missiles that can be countered by anti-aircraft or anti-tank systems.