Iran Develops Hypersonic Missile, Can Travel 15 Times Speed of Sound, Dodge Anti-missile Systems
Iran has recently unveiled its first-ever hypersonic missile, Fattah, which it says can penetrate missile defence systems and will give it a military edge. The hypersonic missile has a range of 1,400 km, can travel at up to 15 times the speed of sound and can bypass the most advanced anti-ballistic missile systems of the United States and Israel.
What is a hypersonic missile?
A hypersonic missile is a type of weapon that can fly at least five times the speed of sound (Mach 5) and on a complex trajectory, which makes it difficult to intercept. Hypersonic missiles are considered to be the next generation of military technology, as they can deliver conventional or nuclear warheads with high precision and speed.
Why did Iran develop a hypersonic missile?
Iran has been developing its ballistic missile program for decades, despite US and European opposition. Iran says its missiles are purely defensive and deter potential enemies from attacking its territory. Iran also views its missile program as a source of national pride and a symbol of its scientific and technological achievements.
However, Iran’s missile program has also raised concerns among its regional rivals and the international community, especially after it resumed its nuclear activities following the US withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal in 2018. The nuclear deal had imposed restrictions on Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. The US and Israel have accused Iran of seeking to develop nuclear weapons, which Iran denies.
Iran’s hypersonic missile is seen as a response to the growing threats and pressures from the US and Israel, which have been conducting covert and overt attacks on Iran’s nuclear and military facilities. Iran has also been facing economic hardships due to the US sanctions and the Covid-19 pandemic. By unveiling its hypersonic missile, Iran hopes to boost its deterrence capability and bargaining power in any future negotiations with the US and other parties.
What are the implications of Iran’s hypersonic missile?
Iran’s hypersonic missile poses a new challenge to the regional and global security, as it could potentially target any country within its range in a matter of minutes. The missile could also evade the existing missile defence systems, such as the US Patriot system or Israel’s Iron Dome system, which are designed to intercept slower and lower-flying projectiles.
Iran’s hypersonic missile could also escalate the arms race in the Middle East, as other countries may seek to acquire or develop similar or counter weapons. For instance, Saudi Arabia, Iran’s main rival in the region, has been purchasing advanced weapons from the US and other countries. Israel, which considers Iran as an existential threat, has also been developing its own hypersonic weapons.
Moreover, Iran’s hypersonic missile could complicate the efforts to revive the nuclear deal, which has been stalled since last September. The US and its allies have been demanding that Iran return to full compliance with the deal and also address its ballistic missile program and regional activities. Iran, on the other hand, has insisted that the US lift all sanctions before it reverses its nuclear steps. The hypersonic missile could increase the mistrust and tensions between the two sides and make it harder to reach a diplomatic solution.
Conclusion
Iran’s development of a hypersonic missile is a significant achievement that demonstrates its technological prowess and military ambition. However, it also raises serious concerns about the stability and security of the region and the world. The hypersonic missile could alter the balance of power in the Middle East and increase the risk of conflict or miscalculation. It could also hamper the prospects of reviving the nuclear deal and resolving the longstanding dispute over Iran’s nuclear program. Therefore, it is imperative that all parties engage in dialogue and diplomacy to address this issue and prevent further escalation.
