Iran’s official IRNA news agency announced Monday that it had successfully tested two missiles, according to Xinhua, and quoted “moderate” President Hassan Rouhani as congratulating the military on the news.
Defense Minister Hossein Dehqan stated that the tests were are a “new generation” of ballistic missiles, designed to evade radar detection systems. The missiles are designated for destroying the enemy’s weapons systems, according to the official.
Bina, a different test-fired missile, is laser-guided and can be launched from the ground or from aircraft, said Dehqan. He add that Bina was designed to be used for targeting armored tanks, bridges, enemy headquarters and large-scale military equipment.
Xinhua noted that Iran is already in the possession of surface-to-surface missiles with a range of about 2,000 kilometers (1242.74 miles).
Tensions Escalate Between Iran, West
The reports, if true, signify yet another show of aggression by the Islamic Republic over the past week toward the West.
Iranian state television ran a documentary showing simulated air attacks on Israel and the United States Friday; on Saturday, the official site of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards taunted the US that its warships in the Persian Gulf were in range of their Karrar combat drones, as well as their Kowsar anti-ship missiles, both domestically produced.
Karrar drones sport a flight range of 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) and a maximum speed of 900 kilometers per hour (559 mph). They are equipped with 125 to 250 kilogram (275-551 pound) bombs, and can additionally carry a Kowsar-class torpedo for combat against seagoing vessels. The drones are reportedly suitable for attacks deep in enemy territory.
As for the Kowsar missiles; Iran claims they feature remote-control and are built to withstand electronic jamming signals. They are deployed along the Iranian coast on the Persian Gulf.
The Islamic Republic has been boosting its missile capabilities over a period of months, in the event that each report is, in fact, true.
In December, Iran bragged of its new Qader cruise missile sporting a 200 kilometer (124 mile) range, as well as a new radar system for electronic warfare. In November, the Islamic regime released a new Fotros drone boasting a range of 2,000 kilometers (1,243 miles), making it able to attack Israel.
