Iranian Navy Test Fires ‘Ghadir’ Long-range Cruise Missile

An Iranian navy vessel has test-fired a long-range cruise missile dubbed “Ghadir” as part of the ongoing two-day military drills in southern Iran and in the Sea of Oman.

The missile fired on the second day of the war games code-named “Muhammad Rasoulallah” successfully targeted the hypothetical enemy, Tasnim news agency reported.

Iranian army began the massive military exercises on January 22 in the country’s southern and southeastern regions as well as the Sea of Oman.

The homegrown Ghadir anti-ship missile system is equipped with highly advanced radar, as well as anti-jamming and anti-electronic warfare systems. It has a range of 300 kilometers and is capable of flying at low altitudes. It can be launched from different types of vessels, even helicopters. It has more destructive fire power and greater precision than other anti-ship systems, such as Nour and Qader.

Ghadir was first shown off in 2011. It was officially unveiled on August 24, 2014 in a special ceremony attended by Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and the country's defense chief.