Iran said Wednesday that has it successfully test-fired an upgraded version of a short-range surface-to-surface missile.
Defense Minister Gen. Ahmad Vahidi said the third generation of the Fateh-110, which means "conqueror" in Farsi and Arabic, is equipped with a high accuracy guidance control system. He said the solid-fuel missile was developed by Iran's Aerospace Industries Organization and tested Wednesday.
Upgrades to the missile increases its range from previous versions, Vahidi said, without providing any further details. Earlier versions of the Fateh-110 could strike targets up to 120 miles (193 kilometers) away. Iran has had the missile for several years.
"Employing a highly accurate guidance and control system has enabled the missile to hit its targets with great precision," Vahidi was quoted by state TV as saying Wednesday.
Tehran frequently makes announcements about new advances in military technology that cannot be independently verified.
State TV broadcast footage of the missile being fired and then hitting a target on the ground. Iran's English-language Press TV said the missile is 30-feet (9-meters) long and weighs 7,700 pounds (3,500 kilograms).
The upgraded version of Fateh-110 will be handed over to Iran's armed forces late September, Vahidi said.
