Iran showcases latest military hardware as Middle East tension heats up
As tension continues to rise in the Middle East, Iran has showcased an extensive array of ballistic missiles during its Sacred Defense Week celebrations, marking a significant display of military strength.
The unveiling also featured the debut of a new kamikaze drone capable of exceeding a range of 4,000 kilometers.
According to Tasnim news agency, “23 ballistic missiles were paraded on Saturday, including 2 Kheibar Shekan missiles, 2 Fatah missiles, 4 Haj Qasem missiles, 2 Qadr H missiles, 2 Emad missiles, 3 Khorramshahr missiles, 4 Sejil missiles, and 4 Jihad missiles.”
The Jihad missile, the latest liquid-fuel ballistic missile from the IRGC Aerospace Force, made its first appearance during the event. This missile boasts a range of 1,000 kilometers and features a high-explosive, detachable warhead.
The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps also showcased the Shahed-136B kamikaze drone, a new version of the Shahed-136, which has a range of 2,000 kilometers and carries a 50-kilogram warhead. This UAV is powered by an Iranian-made piston engine and reaches speeds of about 200 km/h.
The military parade, held at the mausoleum of the Islamic Republic’s founder, Imam Khomeini, in southern Tehran, commemorated the beginning of Saddam Hussein’s invasion of Iran 44 years ago.
Other indigenous missile systems on display included the Kheibar Shekan and Sejjil solid-fuel medium-range ballistic missiles, the Emad and Khorramshahr medium-range ballistic missiles, the Haj Qasem missile, and the Fattah hypersonic medium-range ballistic missile.
