TEHRAN // Iran said today that it has successfully test-fired an upgraded version of a short-range surface-to-surface missile. The country's defence minister, General Ahmad Vahidi, said the third generation of the Fateh-110, which means "conqueror" in Farsi and Arabic, is equipped with a high accuracy guidance control system. He said the solid-fuel missile was developed domestically by Iran's Aerospace Industries Organisation and tested today.
The new version of the missile increases the weapon's range from earlier generations, Gen Vahidi said without providing any further details. Earlier versions of the Fateh-110, which Iran has had for several years, could strike targets up to 200 kilometres away. Gen Vahidi was quoted by state TV as saying: "Employing a highly accurate guidance and control system has enabled the missile to hit its targets with great precision."
Tehran frequently makes announcements about new advances in military technology that cannot be independently verified. State TV broadcast footage of the missile being fired then hitting a target on the ground. Iran's English-language Press TV said the missile is nine metres long and weighs 3,500 kilograms. The upgraded version of the Fateh-110 will be handed over to Iran's armed forces in late September, Gen Vahidi said.
* AP