Dezful

   The Dezful is a new Iranian ballistic missile. It can be seen as an evolution of the Fateh-110 (Conqueror-110), that was adopted back in 2002. Since its introduction Iran developed numerous improved versions of this short-range ballistic missile, including Khalij-e Fars, Hormuz, etc. These first generation missiles had a range of around 300 km. The second generation missile, known as Fateh-313  (Conqueror-313) was first unveiled in 2015. It used a detachable warhead (rerentry vehicle). This allowed to increase the range to 500 km. Following this design with detachable warhead another missile was built. The Zulfiqar ballistic missile was launched in 2016. It had further increased range. Also its reentry vehicle had the ability to correct its path after separation. Shortly afterwards, a newer version of the Fateh-313 was unveiled. The new Dezfu missile was named after a City in Iran that was almost completely destroyed by Iraqi missile attacks during Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988). It had nearly same dimensions as the Zulfiqar, though it had a number of advancements. Despite the same length and diameter, the missile had 300 km more range. Although by 2020 most of the specifications were classified but it was clear that this missile is using much more advanced solid-fuel propellant and also has a more powerful engine. This gave the missile about 30 percent more range compare to previous Fateh-110 series missiles with similar dimensions.

   The Dezful has a range of 1 000 km. It carries a 600 or 700 kg warhead and has a CEP of 5 meters. This hypersonic missile can dive toward its targets at a speed of Mach 7 (8 643 kim/h). First launched in 2019, this missile is so far the most advanced and has the longest range of the second generation Fateh-110 missiles. It is claimed that the Dezful also uses a warhead with twice the destructive power. This could be an indication that this missile can carry more payload or it uses more advanced explosives. The Dezful demonstrates Iranian progress in terms of ballistic missile development. This missile clearly uses all advancements of Iranian missile industry, including engine parts, guidance systems, structure materials, fuel, warhead and ect.

   The previous Fateh-313 missile can by carried and launched by first generation launchers, based on 6x6 wheeled chassis. However Zufiqar and Dezful use their own launcher vehicles with 8x8 configuration version. The launcher vehicle can carry 2 missiles at once.

   Originally designed to deal with threats around Iran, the Dezful missile covers significant areas in the Middle East. It can even hit some parts of Israel's territory without the need for liquid-fuel medium-range ballistic missiles. Also it is accurate enough to hit any kind of targets.

   In 2020 Iran launched a number of Fateh-313 and Qiam ballistic missiles against airbases in Iraq where US troops were stationed. At least 6 of these missiles were reportedly older Fateh-313s, that predeceased the Dezful. These missiles penetrated the US air defense systems and hit their designated targets. According to satellite imagery some of these missiles had a CEP of only 2-3 meters. This shows how capable these new Iranian missiles are. This is a good indication that Iran managed to develop effective and deadly ballistic missiles.

   Interestingly these Iranian missiles are produced in underground facilities. In 2020 Iran has built a third underground plant for the production of missiles.

Article by EHSAN OSTADRAHIMI    Want to publish your own articles? Visit our guidelines for more information.