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The Khalij-e Fars Missile

An in-depth examination of Iran's advanced anti-ship ballistic missile, exploring its technical attributes and strategic implications.

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Overview

Strategic Maritime Deterrent

The Khalij-e Fars (Persian: موشک خلیج فارس, meaning "Persian Gulf") is an indigenous Iranian anti-ship quasi-ballistic missile. It represents a significant advancement in Iran's missile capabilities, specifically designed to target naval vessels.

This system is derived from the Fateh-110 ballistic missile, integrating a specialized guidance system for engagement against moving maritime targets. Its development underscores Iran's strategic focus on asymmetric warfare capabilities within its regional context.

Factual Accuracy Considerations

It is important to note that the factual accuracy of certain aspects of this article's source material has been subject to dispute. Specifically, claims regarding the missile's precision and performance metrics have been identified as requiring further reliable sourcing. This is indicated by a dispute tag within the original source material, prompting careful consideration of the presented data.

The information presented here is synthesized from the available data, with an emphasis on clarity and educational value for advanced study.

Technical Specifications

Key Dimensions and Performance

The Khalij-e Fars missile is characterized by its substantial warhead and impressive speed, designed for high-impact engagements.

Parameter Specification
Type Anti-ship quasi-ballistic missile
Propellant Solid (single stage)
Length 8.86 meters
Diameter 0.61 meters
Warhead Weight 650 kg
Operational Range 300 km (approx. 190 miles)
Maximum Speed Mach 4 (approx. 4,900 km/h or 3,045 mph)
Accuracy (CEP) Less than 10 meters, or potentially 1-2 meters (disputed)
Launch Platform Mobile launcher

Operational Capabilities

Advanced Guidance and Propulsion

The Khalij-e Fars missile is engineered with several key features to enhance its effectiveness against naval targets:

  • Supersonic Velocity: Achieving speeds up to Mach 4, the missile significantly reduces the reaction time available for defensive measures.
  • Interception Evasion: It incorporates an advanced guidance system designed to counter enemy interception attempts, suggesting sophisticated maneuvering or electronic warfare capabilities.
  • Internal Navigation: The missile operates using its own internal navigation system, which allows for autonomous flight without reliance on external radio signals, thereby minimizing susceptibility to jamming or interference.
  • Precision Targeting: Reports indicate a high degree of accuracy, with stated Circular Error Probable (CEP) figures suggesting the ability to strike within a few meters of the intended target, although this specific metric is subject to dispute.
  • Heavy Warhead: The 650 kg warhead provides substantial destructive potential against naval vessels.

Navigation and Electronic Systems

The missile's guidance suite is a critical component of its operational profile. It is equipped with an advanced electronic system that enables the missile to autonomously detect and navigate towards its target. This internal navigation capability is crucial for maintaining operational integrity in contested maritime environments where external communication links could be compromised.

The combination of speed, accuracy, and an advanced guidance package positions the Khalij-e Fars as a potent threat to naval assets operating within its engagement envelope.

Development and Deployment

From Concept to Mass Production

The Khalij-e Fars missile was formally unveiled in February 2011. Its development is rooted in Iran's indigenous missile program, specifically leveraging the technology of the Fateh-110 short-range ballistic missile. The program aims to provide Iran with a credible anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) capability against naval forces in strategic waterways.

Major General Mohammad Ali Jafari, then Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), announced its mass production upon its unveiling. This suggests a commitment to fielding the system in significant numbers.

Testing and Validation

The missile's development and operational readiness have been demonstrated through several publicized tests:

  • Initial Testing: The missile was reportedly first tested during the "Great Prophet III" naval wargames in 2008.
  • Public Demonstrations: Subsequent tests occurred in July 2011 and again in July 2012. Footage released during these tests has shown the missile successfully engaging target ships. The 2012 test notably included imagery captured by the missile's electro-optical seeker, highlighting its terminal guidance capabilities.

These exercises serve not only to validate the missile's performance but also as demonstrations of Iran's military prowess.

Comparable Systems

Context within Missile Technology

The Khalij-e Fars missile occupies a unique niche as an anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM). While ballistic missiles are traditionally designed for long-range, high-altitude trajectories against fixed targets, the Khalij-e Fars is adapted for terminal guidance against moving naval platforms. This requires sophisticated guidance and control systems to compensate for the target's movement and the missile's ballistic trajectory.

Its design shares lineage with the Fateh-110, a versatile short-range ballistic missile. Several other systems globally share characteristics or represent related technological developments:

  • Fateh-110 (Iran): The direct precursor, serving as the foundational platform.
  • LORA (Israel): A tactical ballistic missile with potential anti-ship applications, known for its range and precision.
  • OTR-21 Tochka (Soviet Union): A tactical ballistic missile system, though less specialized for anti-ship roles.
  • Iskander (Russia): A modern tactical ballistic missile system with advanced maneuverability and potential for anti-ship variants.

The development of ASBMs like the Khalij-e Fars represents a strategic challenge to naval power projection, aiming to hold large surface combatants at risk from beyond the horizon.

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References

References

A full list of references for this article are available at the Persian Gulf (missile) Wikipedia page

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Disclaimer

Important Notice Regarding Military Technology

This page has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended solely for informational and educational purposes. The content is derived from publicly available data, including the provided source text, and may not represent the most current or complete information available.

This content does not constitute military advice or endorsement. The information presented herein is for academic analysis and understanding of defense technology. It is not intended to be used for operational planning, strategic decision-making, or any purpose that could be construed as providing military guidance.

Readers are advised to consult official documentation, expert analysis from reputable defense institutions, and relevant geopolitical assessments for comprehensive and authoritative information. The creators of this page are not responsible for any interpretations or actions taken based on the information provided.