Iran Bolsters Navy with Advanced 'Smart' Cruise Missiles
Iran has taken a significant step in strengthening its naval capabilities by introducing a domestically produced cruise missile, the Talaeieh, with an impressive range of over 620 miles (1,000 kilometers). According to Iran's navy chief, Adm. Shahram Irani, as reported by state TV, the Talaeieh missile is "fully smart" and uniquely capable of altering its target post-launch.
In addition to the Talaeieh, Iran has also developed the Nasi cruise missile, which boasts a range of 62 miles (100 kilometers) and can be equipped on warships. Both these advanced cruise missiles have been deployed to a naval base near the Indian Ocean in the southern Iranian port of Konarak, located approximately 850 miles (1,400 kilometers) southeast of Tehran.
This development in Iran's naval arsenal emerges amidst reports from the Pentagon about an Iranian drone striking a Liberian-flagged chemical product tanker in the Indian Ocean, near the Indian port of Veraval.
Iran's military advancements, particularly in missile technology, are often publicized through state media. However, these announcements typically lack independent verification. The Iranian government asserts it possesses a diverse range of missiles, some with the capability to travel up to 1,250 miles (2,000 kilometers). This range places strategic locations within reach, including Israel and various U.S. military bases in the region.
The introduction of the Talaeieh and Nasi cruise missiles signifies a notable enhancement in Iran's naval strength, reflecting the country's ongoing efforts to develop and expand its military capabilities. As tensions persist in the region, Iran's advancements in missile technology continue to draw attention and raise concerns among global observers.