Iran Opens Shoulder-Fired Missile, Hybrid Solid Propellant Plants

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 said 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.

Major General 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 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.

Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed 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.

“Without a moment of hesitation, the country must move to acquire whatever is necessary for defense, even if the whole world is opposed to it,” Ayatollah Khamenei said in February 2018.