Iranian state television reported that “The regime of the ayatollahs has launched a new missile capable of hitting Israel or U.S. bases in the Persian Gulf.” The test, according to the same source, was a ’success’.
The Sajjil 2 is Iran’s most advanced two-stage, surface-to-surface missile. It is powered entirely by solid fuel, which increases the weapon’s accuracy. The missile has a potential range of 1,200 miles (2,000 kilometers), putting Israel, parts of southeastern Europe and U.S. bases in the Middle East within range.
The Sajjil 2 is equipped with an improved guidance package compared with the Sajjil 1, and can be launched in a matter of minutes. Experts say the Sajjil-2 is more accurate than Shahab missiles and its navigation system is more advanced.
The defense minister, Brig. Gen. Ahmad Vahidi, lauded the successful test of an upgraded version of the Sejjil-II missile for “its remarkable speed in entering the atmosphere, its strong impact and its radar-evading covers” and for its quick launch time, state television reported.
“The missile test we observed today was only a link in our defense chain aimed at boosting our armed forces deterrence,” Vahidi said. “Iran’s missile capability is merely defensive and is to serve peace, stability and calm in the region. It will never be fired against any other country.”
