IRAN GOES HYPERSONIC!

By ROHIT GOEL

Iran’s recent unveiling of the “Fattah” hypersonic ballistic missile has sparked heightened concerns among Western nations about the country’s missile capabilities. In a significant display of technological prowess, Iran officially presented its first domestically developed hypersonic ballistic missile, the Fattah on June 6, 2023. The unveiling ceremony was attended by President Ebrahim Rahisi and Commanders of Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guards Corps, underscoring the importance Iran places on its missile programme. The event garnered attention both domestically and internationally, raising Western concerns about Tehran’s advancements in missile technology.

Iran’s Fattah hypersonic missile represents a significant leap forward in the country’s missile capabilities. The precision-guided Fattah is designed to fly at speeds at least five times faster than the speed of sound, allowing it to reach a top speed of Mach 14, approximately 15,000 kilometres per hour. Its hypersonic nature, combined with a complex trajectory, makes the missile highly challenging to intercept. With a range of 1,400 kilometres, the Fattah missile boasts the capability to penetrate even the most sophisticated defence shields, thereby bolstering Iran’s defensive capabilities.The Iranian leadership asserts that the possession of hypersonic missiles serves