Hypersonic Arms Race Intensifies As Iran Claims To Have Developed A Mach 15 Capable Missile

Iranian state media has reported that Iran has created a hypersonic missile capable of travelling at speeds of more than mach 15 or fifteen times the speed of sound.

The missile, according to Iranian media reports, is known as Fattah, or "Conqueror". Iran also claims that the missile has a maximum range of 1,400 kilometres, and is capable of defeating any air defense missile system.

The missile was unveiled on Tuesday (6 June) morning in the presence of the Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi.

Earlier in November 2022, Iranian Revolutionary Guards General, Amir Ali Hajizadeh claimed to have developed a hypersonic missile, which could defeat any missile defence system.

Hypersonic missiles are classified as missiles that can travel at speeds of more than 5 mach or five times the speed of sound. The high speed of the missile allows them to defeat any air defence system.

China and Russia are the only two countries who have successfully developed a hypersonic missile, while the United States and India are also working on their development.

On the other hand, Russia claims to be the only country to have used a hypersonic missile, Kinzhal, in active warfare, specifically in the war between Russia and Ukraine.