Iran has conducted tests on a large "air-to-ground" missile capable of striking targets at distances of up to 30 kilometers.
Source: INRA
Iran conducted tests of a significant "air-to-ground" missile from a helicopter during military exercises, as reported by Sarbaz.kz, citing IRNA.
According to reports, during the exercises in the Nasrabad region, a "Haibar" missile was launched from a Bell 214 helicopter. The missile flew 30 kilometers and successfully destroyed the designated target.
It is also noted that the "Haibar" missile is equipped with a GPS system, allowing the pilot to have full control over the munition and guide it to the intended target. However, it remains unclear how the Iranian missile might use GPS, whether it relies on American satellite navigation or refers to the Russian GLONASS or the Chinese Beidou systems. Nonetheless, obtaining GPS modules or receivers geared for civilian use for military systems is not a complex matter, considering the widespread commercial availability of such devices.
The "Haibar" missile measures 4 meters in length and weighs nearly 40 kilograms while carrying a 20-kilogram warhead.
As reported by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the missile is designed for the destruction of enemy armored units and concrete bunkers. Nevertheless, many experts do not rule out the possibility of the missile being used against ships, especially given the active repurposing of "air-to-ground" missiles for ground attacks in recent conflicts.
These extensive exercises occurred in the backdrop of the arrival of two U.S. Navy aircraft carrier strike groups, the "Gerald R. Ford" and "Dwight D. Eisenhower," off the coast of Israel to deter Iran and Hezbollah.