Iran unveils new ballistic missile

Tehran Sep 22 (IANS) Iran on Friday unveiled a new long-range ballistic missile as the country marked the beginning of Defence Week.

The missile named Khorramshahr was put on display during a military parade here with President Hassan Rouhani and senior military officials in attendance reports Xinhua.

The ballistic missile which has a range of 2 000 km is capable of carrying multiple warheads Brigadier General Amir Ali Hajizadeh a senior commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Division told the media.

"The missile has become smaller in size (compared to other Iranian ballistic missiles) and more tactical and it will be operational in the near future " Hajizadeh said without further elaboration.

On Friday the Iranian armed forces commemorated the 1980-1988 war with Iraq by holding a parade in which Iran s most advanced military power and abilities are showcased.

The IRGC and the volunteer militia Basij forces participated in the parade.

Iran also displayed other home-made advanced missiles including ballistic missiles which are reported to have ranges of 1 300 km to 2 000 km.

--IANS
ksk/sac