Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - Iran’s Guards unveil missile claimed to put Israel in reach

Iran’s Guards unveil missile claimed to put Israel in reach

Content image - Phnom Penh Post
A handout photo made available on February 9, 2022 by the official website of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps shows surface-to-surface missiles displayed in an undisclosed location. SEPAHNEWS/AFP

Iran’s Guards unveil missile claimed to put Israel in reach

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on February 9 announced the development of a surface-to-surface missile whose stated range would put arch foe Israel within reach.

The Guards’ Sepahnews website said the missile was named the Khaybarchekan after a victorious battle fought by the Prophet Mohammed in the seventh century.

Armed forces chief of staff Mohammad Bagheri described it as a strategic, “long-range” missile.

The Guards’ Sepahnews website said the missile has a range of 1,450km, runs on solid fuel and is capable of penetrating anti-missile systems.

It was unveiled during a visit to a surface-to-surface missile base of the Guards’ air force, with the chief of the aerospace department Amirali Hajizadeh present.

“Its manoeuvrability and extreme speed allow it to reach targets within a radius of 1,450km,” the website said.

Iran has the largest arsenal of missiles in the Middle East.

On December 24, the Islamic republic fired 16 ballistic missiles to conclude military drills described by generals as a warning to Israel.

The Jewish state is located little more than 1,000km from Iran’s western frontier.

Bagheri on February 7 said Iran was “self-sufficient in terms of military equipment”, noting it could become one of the world’s largest arms exporters if US sanctions were lifted.

The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), a London-based think tank, says that Iran has about 20 types of ballistic missiles as well as cruise missiles and drones, and that Tehran’s current priority is to increase the accuracy of its missiles.

MOST VIEWED

  • Bareknuckle champion wants Kun Khmer fighter

    Dave Leduc, who is the current openweight Lethwei boxing champion in Myanmar, has announced that he will travel to Cambodia this year to challenge SEA Games gold medallist Prum Samnang any time that is convenient, after their planned match later this month in Slovakia was

  • Five-year-old Hanuman dances his way into hearts of Cambodia

    A young talent from a new-established settlement has emerged, captivating the online world with his mesmerising performances of the traditional Cambodian monkey dance. Roeun Kakada is a five-year-old prodigy who has taken the social media sphere by storm with his exceptional dance skills and dedication

  • Fresh Covid warnings as Thai hospital fills

    A senior health official reminds the public to remain vigilant, as neighbouring countries experience an increase in Covid-19 cases, with the latest surge appearing to be a result of the Omicron XBB.1.5 sub-variant. Or Vandine, secretary of state and spokeswoman for the Ministry of Health,

  • PM declares ASEAN Para Games open

    The 12th ASEAN Para Games officially kicked off on the evening of June 3 at Morodok Techo National Stadium in Phnom Penh, with a spectacular opening ceremony featuring fireworks and performances by some of the Kingdom’s most accomplished talents. Tens of thousands of sports fans

  • Honda shutters Siem Reap football club

    Japanese football legend Keisuke Honda, the owner of Siem Reap football club Soltilo Angkor FC, has been forced to shut the club down, after it failed to attract sponsorship for the upcoming season. Honda, the former manager of the Cambodia men's national football team, said

  • Waterway job still pending for Kampot tourism port’s opening

    The search is still on for a contractor to expand and deepen the Kampot International Tourism Port’s waterway and deliver additional enhancements allowing safe access for larger vessels, nearly a year after the main construction work on the 4.25ha site was completed on June 30, 2022.