Iran unveils optical-guided ballistic missile and promises to surpass U.S. and Israel defenses

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Iran unveils ballistic missile with optical guidance and promises to surpass US and Israel defensesIran unveils ballistic missile with optical guidance and promises to surpass US and Israel defenses (X @IranObserver0)

The Iran revealed a new medium-range ballistic missile with optical guidance, called Qasem Basir. According to the Minister of Defense, General Aziz Nasirzadeh, the weapon has greater maneuverability and resistance to defense systems such as THAAD, Patriot, and Israeli interceptors.

The missile is based on the structure of the Haj Qasem model, with a range of up to 1,400 km, and incorporates inertial navigation technology with satellite correction, as well as an optical-electronic guidance system.

During a test on April 17, the Qasem Basir successfully identified and hit a target more than 1,200 km away. Iran claims that the improvements were based on experiences from previous attacks on Israel in 2024. This is the first time the country has used this type of optical guidance on a medium-range missile, as this technology was previously limited to short-range missiles like the Zolfaghar Basir.

The announcement came after an unidentified Iranian missile fell near Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, despite interception attempts by Israel. At the time, two US THAAD systems and at least one Arrow 3 interceptor were active.

Earlier reports had already pointed out that Iran was working on a ballistic missile with nuclear capability and a range of up to 3,000 km, inspired by North Korean projects.

Source: Militarnyi | Photo: X @IranObserver0 | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team

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