Iran Unveils Jihad Ballistic Missile with 1000 km Range During Tehran Military Parade.

On September 21, 2024, Iran showcased its latest ballistic missile system, the "Jihad," during a military parade in Tehran. Developed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' (IRGC) Aerospace Force, this missile represents a significant milestone in Iran's missile technology, marking the debut of a new liquid-fuel missile platform. The unveiling of the Jihad missile underscores Iran’s continued advancements in defense technology, despite growing international scrutiny and ongoing sanctions.
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Iran's missile development has raised concerns among Western nations, particularly regarding its potential destabilizing impact in the region. (Picture source: MehrNews)

According to Iranian state media and IRGC sources, the Jihad missile boasts a range of 1,000 kilometers and is launched using a dual-missile platform, a distinguishing feature compared to Iran's previous liquid-fuel missiles. It appears to be an improved version of the Qiam missile, first introduced in 2010. The Qiam was Iran’s first liquid-fuel missile without fins, with an initial range of 800 kilometers. Later modifications to the Qiam included a detachable guided warhead, enhancing its precision and range.

Tasnim, an IRGC-affiliated news outlet, reported that the Jihad missile carries a 600-kilogram warhead and can reach speeds exceeding eight times the speed of sound. It also utilizes a different launch platform capable of firing two missiles simultaneously, increasing its operational efficiency, despite the longer preparation time typically required for liquid-fuel missiles.

The missile's unveiling follows the development of other advanced Iranian missiles, including the Kheibar-Shekan and Martyr Haj Qasem. Iranian state media also highlighted new missile launch platforms, including one used for the Fattah missile, said to feature advanced navigation systems that allow for rapid missile deployment and firing.

Iran's missile development has raised concerns among Western nations, particularly regarding its potential destabilizing impact in the region. The United States and its allies have voiced concerns over Iran’s missile program, especially given its support for non-state actors and militant groups across the Middle East. As a result, international sanctions have targeted Iran’s missile production, limiting its access to key materials and technologies.

Despite these sanctions, Iran maintains that its missile development is a sovereign right and necessary for national defense. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who attended the parade, emphasized Iran’s growing deterrent capabilities and the country’s preparedness to defend against external threats. The unveiling of the Jihad missile is part of Iran's broader strategy to project its military strength amid ongoing regional conflicts and increasing tensions with Israel, especially along the border with Hezbollah, a group backed by Tehran.

During the same military parade, Iran also introduced an upgraded version of its Shahed-136 drone, now named the Shahed-136B, with an operational range exceeding 4,000 kilometers. The continued development of drones and missiles, coupled with accusations that Iran has been supplying weapons to Russia for its war in Ukraine, has further strained relations with Western nations. Iran has consistently denied these allegations, asserting that its military advancements are for defensive purposes only.

Western powers, including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and the United States, have recently imposed new sanctions on Iran, accusing it of supplying ballistic missiles to Russia. These tensions underscore the complex geopolitical environment surrounding Iran’s missile program, as international efforts to curb its capabilities continue amid persistent regional conflicts, particularly with Israel.