IRGC-affiliated Tasnim news (July 3rd) reported that the Ground Force of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has successfully conducted a test of a domestically developed training system for crew members operating the "Fath 360" missiles. This system, developed and manufactured by experts from the IRGC Ground Force, accurately simulates every step involved in the launch process of the Fath 360 missile, from loading and preparation to the actual firing.
To replicate the missile firing experience, the training system utilizes the physical structure of a real Fath 360 missile. However, it incorporates an "Arash" 122-mm rocket instead of the propellant and warhead. This training system improves safety measures and reduces the costs associated with training exercises by allowing missile operators to practice reloading and firing multiple times.
The Fath 360 missile is a short-range surface-to-surface missile (80–100-kilometer range), solid-fuel satellite-guided ballistic missile developed by the Iranian defense ministry, with a length exceeding 5 meters and a weight of 787 kilograms and a 150-kg warhead. According to media reports, the Fath 360 missiles possess the capability to reach speeds of Mach 3 during the initial firing phase. Subsequently, the missile connects with satellites for swift homing, ultimately striking their designated targets at Mach 4. The Fath 360 is a smaller variant within the Fateh ballistic missile family, enabling enhanced missile storage on trucks, carriers, or launchers.
The Fath 360 missile system was supplied to the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) in the preceding year, which included launchers capable of firing two or four rounds. This acquisition has empowered the IRGC Ground Force to effectively engage enemy air defense systems with precise short-range massed fire, allowing the IRGC Aerospace Forces to focus on executing longer-range strikes.
In recent military exercises, Iran tested the Fath 360 satellite-guided ballistic missile, seemingly aiming to match the effectiveness of the United States High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), deployed with lethal outcomes in Ukraine.
There are concerns that Russia may add powerful Iranian short-range ballistic missiles (like Fateh-110 and Zolfaghar) to its arsenal, potentially enhancing its current use of Iranian suicide drones (Shahed-136). These missiles would bolster Russia's ability to sustain its air campaign at a time when its stockpile of aerial weapons is reportedly depleted.
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