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A composite of images shows the original conical re-entry vehicle (RV) of Iran's Shahab-3 ballistic missile (left), next to the triconic RV of the Ghadr (centre), and the new biconic RV with fins of the Emad (right) that was unveiled on 11 October. Source: PA Photos / IHS
Iran announced on 11 October that it had tested a new, more accurate 'long-range' ballistic missile.
Defence Minister Hossein Dehghan was quoted as saying the Emad "is able to strike targets with a high level of precision and completely destroy them; [it] is the first long-range missile of the Islamic Republic of Iran that can be controlled until the very moment it hits the target." He added that the new missile will enter service soon.
Iranian media released images of what appeared to be a Shahab-3-series liquid-fuel missile carrying a new re-entry vehicle (nose section) with small fins and thrusters.
The Shahab-3 series of medium-range ballistic missiles was specifically developed to target Israel, with some versions claimed to have a range of up to 2,000 km.
Iranian television showed an Emad being launched and broadcast footage filmed by cameras carried by the missile of the moment the re-entry vehicle separated from the rocket motor, which could be seen dropping away. That footage was time/date stamped to 0726 h (local time) on 10 October.
The Iranian coverage also showed what was presumably the re-entry vehicle hitting the ground and the resulting crater from what appeared to be a live rather than inert warhead.
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Iran unveils 'high precision' Emad ballistic missile - IHS Jane's 360
