Iran Unveils ‘359’ Missile: Can Strike Combat Drones At 30,000 Feet At High Speed
Iran Unveils ‘359’ Missile: Can Strike Combat Drones At 30,000 Feet At High Speed
Iran Unveils ‘359’ Missile: Can Strike Combat Drones At 30,000 Feet At High Speed
Iran unveils the 359 loitering surface-to-air missile, a next-gen system designed to strike drones and high-altitude aircraft beyond 150 km. Analysts weigh its impact on regional security and defense plans.
The latest weapon to have been launched by Iran is the 359 loitering surface-to-air missile, which was tested not so long ago. The next-generation of the 358 Loitering Munition system is this missile that can be used to hit enemy drones as well as military aircraft at high altitudes. The 359 is considered a breakthrough in the country's home-based defense technology.
The American and Israeli drones working in the Middle East are also allegedly threatened by the arrival of the American and Israeli drone called 359. It is reported that at the moment, the Pentagon has no direct countermeasure for the new Iranian missile.
What is the ‘359’ SAM missile?
It is the new loitering munition system (359) that is intended to attack long-range targets. Reportedly, it is able to hit a distance of over 150 kms with an amazing altitude of more than 9,000 meters (around 30,000 feet). Also, the missile is able to travel up to 1,000 km/h and precisely hit high-speed aircraft.
Concerning the former 358 Loitering Munition
The 359 was the result of the development of the previous 358 Loitering Munition over the years. The missile was also effective against attacks on regional conflicts, particularly in attacks against the MQ-9 Reaper drones of the United States.
The new variant significantly increases the capability of Tehran to protect its airspace and attack aerial targets far within the territory of the enemy. The mobile truck launchers can launch the 359 loitering munition system. This will form a self-governing anti-drone net, a net that does not have a centralized radar system.
What makes the 359 SAM missile a menace?
Huge reliance is on drones, particularly MQ-9 Reaper drones carried out in ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) missions, which are essential to US air superiority. Reportedly, the weapons such as the 358/359 can be used against such drones. Several MQ-9s and Hermes 900s have already been shot down during the last 11 days.
