Iran Opens Shoulder-Fired Missile, Hybrid Solid Propellant Plants

By Staff, Agencies

The Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces opened on Sunday factories producing advanced shoulder-fired missiles and hybrid solid fuel for various missiles used in ground warfare.

In comments after inaugurating the missile factory, Major General Mohammad Hossein Baqeri described it as “one of the most unique plants in the region producing short-range air defense missiles.”

The new projectiles are manufactured with sophisticated and modern laser and optical technologies for navigation and control, the commander noted, saying man-portable rocket launchers for air defense purposes can be employed by troops in various tactical conditions.

The top commander confirmed that "While Iran used to import the first generation of shoulder-fired missiles, it is now a manufacturer of various advanced missiles with a range of around 5 kilometers and capable of hitting different types of approaching and receding targets with different velocities."

"Iran is now among the three or four countries in the world with the technical know-how to manufacture shoulder-launched assault weapons, employed for air defense at low and medium altitudes," he added.

Baqeri also opened a hybrid solid propellant factory supplying fuel for ground combat weapons.

"It was necessary to extend the range and speed of missiles fired in the ground combats," the Iranian general said, adding that the new solid fuel would boost the power of tactical ground-to-ground, anti-tank and air defense missiles.

Iranian military experts and technicians have in recent years made great headways in manufacturing a broad range of indigenous equipment, making the armed forces self-sufficient in the arms sphere.

The Leader of the Islamic Revolution His Eminence Imam Sayyed Ali Khamenei has repeatedly called for efforts to maintain and boost Iran’s defense capabilities, hitting back at the enemies for disputing the country’s missile program.