Iran has introduced its newest ballistic missile, the Qassem Basir, a domestically developed, solid-fuel weapon with a reported range of 1,200 kilometers and advanced guidance technology. The missile was revealed Sunday at a prominent military event, where officials touted it as a major leap forward in the nation’s missile capabilities.
An upgraded version of the Martyr Haj Qassem missile, the Qassem Basir features a reengineered warhead designed for increased maneuverability and survivability. Military officials say the missile is optimized to evade advanced missile defense systems, with enhancements aimed at thriving in high-threat environments.
One of its standout features is a thermal imaging guidance system that improves accuracy and makes the missile resistant to electronic warfare. Unlike many modern systems, it does not rely on GPS, making it significantly harder to jam or misdirect.
Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Aziz Nasirzadeh confirmed that the missile had been successfully test-fired, hitting a target over 1,200 kilometers away under conditions of heavy electronic interference. He described the test as a demonstration of the missile’s precision and resilience.
“The Qassem Basir represents a new generation of precision strike weapons,” Nasirzadeh stated. “Its guidance system and agility allow it to bypass layered air defenses and maintain operational effectiveness.”
The defense minister also used the occasion to criticize U.S. policy, accusing Washington of sending “mixed signals” by calling for diplomacy while issuing military threats. He warned that such actions destabilize the region and undermine prospects for peace.
The unveiling comes amid escalating regional tensions and highlights Iran’s ongoing emphasis on self-sufficiency in defense technology.
