Iran Begins Mass Production Of Long-Range Anti-Ship Cruise Missile

Iran has begun the mass production of Ghadir, a long-range anti-warship cruise missile.

“Today, we are simultaneously witnessing the launch of the mass production line and the delivery of this strategic and effective missile in the domain of defense and marine battle,” Defense Minister Brigadier General Hossein Dehqan told reporters at an inauguration ceremony on Saturday.

The homegrown cruise missile is equipped with advanced radar, as well as anti-jamming and anti-electronic warfare systems, and features great precision, high destructive power and the ability to fly at low altitudes.

Ghadir was officially unveiled on August 24, 2014. The 300 kilometers range missile can be launched from different types of vessels, even helicopters.

"The high precision, rapid reaction and high quality of these important products have incredibly increased the Armed Forces' combat power in the sky, sea and ground," Dehqan added.

The first several Ghadir missiles were reportedly handed over to the naval forces of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) during the inauguration ceremony.

IRGC Aerospace Force Brigadier General Amir Ali Hajizadeh said that Iran is planning to replace its first generation missiles in 2016.