| Shahin | |
|---|---|
 Shahin missiles on the rear of a truck | |
| Type | surface-to-air missile |
| Place of origin | Iran |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2011-present |
| Specifications | |
| Propellant | solid fuel |
| Operational range | 70-150 km |
| Maximum speed | supersonic |
| Launch platform | Mersad |
The Shahin (Persian: شاهین) missile is an Iranian supersonic mid-range low to mid-altitude surface-to-air missile (SAM). It is an Iranian improved version of the American MIM-23 Hawk and is thus designed for use with the Mersad air defense system.
Unveiling and testing
The Shahin missiles were developed as part of a domestic weapons program that Iran started in 1992 in response to increasing American sanctions against Iran. The Shahin missiles were first unveiled in April 2010. They were then tested on November 16, 2010 along with the Mersad air defense system during the war games Defenders of the Sky of the Velayat III, the maneuvers were themselves carried out to prepare for a hypothetical Israeli assault on Iranian nuclear facilities. The missile was tested again on 13 June 2011, shortly before entering service.
Characteristics
The missile is considered low to mid-altitude and mid-range low with a range of 70-150 km. The missile is also suggested to be supersonic by various sources. Iranian sources suggest that the missile is somewhat indigenous with upgraded guidance, launcher, advanced radar signal processing technology and advanced guidance systems. Iranians also suggest that it has some Anti-ballistic missile capability. The shahin missile possesses a thin yet cylindrical body with four long chord clipped delta wings, an opening at the end also exists which runs from the boat tail to the middle.
See also
Other Iranian air defenses
Similar SAMs
References
- ^ "Iran Test Fires Two Air Defence Systems". Air Force Technology. 13 June 2011. Archived from the original on 3 June 2020.
- ^ Connell, Michael. "Iran's military exercises send strategic message to Israel, the United States". The Iran Primer. Archived from the original on 5 September 2019.
- ^ "Mersad". Deagel. Archived from the original on 30 November 2019.
- ^ "Mersad air defence system Shahin missile technical data sheet specification". Army Recognition. 5 February 2012. Archived from the original on 2 February 2019.
