Iran Unveils New Helicopter-launch Anti-Armor Missile

The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Ground Force on Wednesday unveiled a new anti-armor automatic missile, called Azarakhsh, in a ceremony in Tehran, local media reports.

According to Tasnim news agency, Azarakhsh, also called Lightning, is a 127-millimeter caliber rocket that weighs around 70 kilograms and can be installed on helicopter pylons. The missile has a range of 10 kilometers (approximately 6.2 miles) and can lock on to its target, track it and automatically detect it.

The air-to-surface and surface-to-surface missile is also equipped with thermographic detectors with a maximum speed of 550 meters per second. 

A multifunction tester used for measuring electrical parameters of Mi-17 helicopters as well as a night vision system for the Mil Mi-17 was also unveiled during the ceremony.

Iran has in recent years made great headways in manufacturing a broad range of indigenous equipment, making the armed forces self-sufficient in the arms sphere.

In February, Iran also introduced the latest version of Iranian mlilitary’s short-range, anti-armor missiles, namely Toufan 2-M.  Iranian leaders showcased their ballistic missile capabilities which include a nuclear-capable medium-range missile that appears to share similarities with North Korean technology, during the military parade to commemorate the 39th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution.