Iranian forces take delivery of new ‘smart’ missiles
Tehran’s navy has unveiled a new long-range weapon that can switch targets after being launched Iranian schoolgirls view missiles displayed at the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps aerospace park in Tehran. © Morteza Nikoubazl/NurPhoto via Getty Images The Iranian navy has upgraded its firepower with the addition of domestically produced missiles that have a range of more than 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) and can be redirected to other targets after being launched. Navy chief Admiral Shahran Irani unveiled the new weapon on Sunday, calling it a state-run media outlet IRNA reported. The so-called missile also can select a complex flight plan on the way to its target to achieve he added. The navy took delivery of another newly developed missile, called the with similar capabilities and a range of more than 100 kilometers, as well as new reconnaissance helicopters, drones and tugboats. All of the weaponry was designed and produced domestically. Read more The new missiles arrived amid escalating tensions between Iran and the US over the Israel-Hamas war. On Saturday, US officials accused Iran of being Tehran’s new military hardware was delivered to a naval base in Konarak, a port city on the Gulf of Chabahar in southern Iran. Both of the new missiles can be launched from warships. Irani said the Nasir would be installed on a fixed missile launcher in Konarak port. Iran boasts one of the world’s most advanced missile programs, and it’s one of the leading developers of attack drones. The country unveiled the Khorramshahr-4, a missile with a range of 2,000 kilometers, in May. Defense Minister Mohammad-Reza Ashtiani said the Khorramshahr-4 could carry warheads weighing up to 3,300 pounds and penetrate enemy air defense systems by evading radar detection. READ MORE: Iran unveils its newest hypersonic missile – media Iranian Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Naqdi warned on Saturday that the Mediterranean Sea, the Strait of Gibraltar and other key waterways could be closed to shipping traffic if the US and Israel continued to commit against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. READ MORE: US Navy warship attacked by drones