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Jun 6, 20232 min read

IMMINENT WARNING: NEW IRANIAN HYPERSONIC MISSILE, POSSIBLY FASTER THAN 15 TIMES THE SPEED OF SOUND

June 06, 2023

Ludovica Leccese, CENTCOM/AFRICOM Team

Jennifer Loy, Chief Editor


Iran and neighboring countries[1]


Event: On Tuesday, June 6, Iran has unveiled the new hypersonic missile “Fattah,” declaring that it can travel 15 times the speed of sound and evade all air defenses. Iranian state TV claimed that the missile has a range of 1,400 kilometers and is able to bypass advanced anti-ballistic systems, including Israel's Iron Dome. However, the effectiveness of the missile's operability and ability in evading interception remains unsure. The announcement comes amid tensions with the United States and Israel over Iran's nuclear program.[2]


Significance: Iran’s development of a hypersonic missile will almost certainly increase their ballistic capabilities, enhancing their offensive capabilities and potential reach. The ability of the Fattah missile to bypass advanced anti-ballistic missile systems will very likely undermine the effectiveness of existing defense mechanisms, posing a direct threat to regional security. This will likely lead to an escalation of conflicts and an increased risk of miscalculations or unintended consequences. Iran’s possession of hypersonic missiles will likely further exacerbate tensions in the Middle East, likely fueling a potential arms race to maintain a balance of power in the region or to deter a potential aggression. Iran's development of a hypersonic missile will also likely affect international shipping routes by posing a threat to international shipping vessels, particularly in strategic maritime chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz, severely impacting global trade and energy security due to the necessity of higher insurance costs for shipping companies.


Recommendations

  • The Counterterrorism Group (CTG) recommends the international community engage in a diplomatic dialogue with Iran to address concerns related to its missile program and to seek diplomatic solutions to international challenges, promote transparency, and mitigate tensions.

  • CTG recommends that the relevant regional and international actors enhance trust, share intelligence, and collaborate on defense strategies to contribute to regional stability and the effective deterrence of potential aggression.

  • CTG recommends the development of a comprehensive regional security framework able to address the concerns and interests of the entire international community. CTG also recommends such a framework to encompass arms control, conflict resolution, non-proliferation, and cooperative security measures to ensure long-term stability in the region.

  • CTG recommends the international community call for independent verification of Iran's claims about the capabilities of its Fattah missile. CTG also encourages international observers and experts into the country to assess the missile's true performance, to promote transparency, and to build confidence among nations.

  • Given the potential threat that Iran's Fattah missile poses to international shipping routes, CTG recommends countries enhance maritime security measures in key strategic areas. CTG also recommends collaborative efforts to ensure the safe navigation and protection of commercial vessels and to mitigate the risk of disruptions to global trade and energy supplies.

  • Given the potential for cyber threats in relation to advanced missile technologies, CTG recommends countries strengthen their cybersecurity measures and enhance their counterintelligence efforts to protect critical infrastructures and to prevent the illicit acquisition or dissemination of sensitive information regarding the missile.

  • If there is any additional and or critical information please contact us at The Counterterrorism Group (CTG) by Telephone 202-643-2848 or email info@counterterrorismgroup.com

 

[1] Iran by Google Maps

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