June 6, 2023
There exists no system that can rival or counter this missile.
Iranian Gen. Amir Ali Hajizadeh, head of the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard’s aerospace program, upon unveiling what appeared to be a model of a hypersonic missile.
Why It Matters: Iran – a U.S. designated state sponsor of terrorism – announced what they say is the creation of a hypersonic missile on Iranian state television on Tuesday. While it cannot be confirmed whether the missile can successfully launch and strike a target, the Iranian government claimed it can fly up to 15 times the speed of sound, meaning it could cause challenges to modern air defenses. Iran has developed an "expansive ballistic missile arsenal … over the years as Western sanctions largely prevent it from accessing advanced weaponry" (AP).
Something To Consider: The missile unveiling occurred on the same day Iran began reopening diplomatic posts in Saudi Arabia. The two nations have experienced years of conflict; while the U.S. government has not commented on the missile, White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said regarding Saudi Arabia and Iran relations: "… if the Iranians opening up an embassy in Riyadh [Saudi Arabia's capital] can help increase transparency of what they’re doing and why, if it can de-escalate tensions, if it can lead to a reduction in their destabilizing behavior … then all that’s to the positive."
Iran unveils what it calls a hypersonic missile able to beat air defenses amid tensions with US (The Associated Press)
by Jenna Lee,
