Iran says it has developed a hypersonic missile. This should be able to overcome all previously developed air defense systems. North Korea’s test of a hypersonic missile last year sparked fears of an arms race.
Iran says it has developed a hypersonic missile that can overcome “all air defense systems” for the first time. “This hypersonic ballistic missile was designed to counter anti-aircraft shields,” said General Amirali Hajizadeh, commander of the Revolutionary Guards Air Force Branch, according to the Fars news agency. “It will be able to overcome all missile defense systems.”
The general added that he believes it will take decades to develop a system capable of intercepting the missile. The missile “aimed at enemy missile defense systems” is a quantum leap in the missile field. Hypersonic missiles can reach more than five times the speed of sound and are difficult to detect by radar systems because of their speed and because of their comparatively low flight altitude. Hypersonic missiles are also maneuverable, making them difficult to spot and intercept.
Last year, North Korea’s test of a hypersonic missile sparked fears of a race to acquire the technology. Russia is currently at the forefront of missile development, followed by China and the United States. Only a few days ago, Iran admitted that it had supplied drones to Russia – but Iran has said it hasn’t done so since the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Reports that Tehran had also supplied Moscow with missiles were rejected by Tehran.
