Click to see full-size image
Iran appears to be testing an aeroballistic missile, presumably based on the Iranian 333-mm guided missile Fajr-4.
Or it could potentially be the Fajr-4 guided missile itself. And this marks the first footage of the new weapon.
For the first time #IRGC Aerospace Force published air launched the Fajr-4 Guided Rocket test#Iran pic.twitter.com/LpEK20M5NA
— IWN (@A7_Mirza) May 9, 2020
The video was released by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Click to see full-size image
Whether the Fajr-4 missile will have two versions – an air-launched and ground-launched one, or just one version and it is now an aeroballistic missile comes down to speculation.
However, below are photographs showing the Fajr-4 guided missiles, and the similarities with the aeroballistic missile are very apparent.
Click to see full-size image
Click to see full-size image
The focus on aeroballistic missiles is very apparent, and Russia should be given credit for its Kinzhal hypersonic missile – it is an air-launched ballistic missile.
Air-launched missiles have the advantaged of a (potentially) greatly increased range, and speed.
The Kh-47M2 Kinzhal (from Russian: “Dagger”) is a nuclear-capable air-launched ballistic missile (ALBM). It has the range of over 2,000 km, the speed of ~Mach 10 speed, and is capable to perform evasive maneuvers at every stage of its flight. The missile can carry both conventional and nuclear warheads.
Click to see full-size image
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
