Qassem Basir: This Iranian missile can be a headache for US, Israel

Time of India

a day ago

What makes Qassem Basir a deadly missile
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Last month, Iran's defense ministry unveiled Qassem Basir , the country's latest solid-fueled ballistic missile, which can be a headache for the US and Israel. Qassem Basir boasts a range of at least 1,200 kilometers and is designed to evade advanced missile defense systems like the US-made THAAD and Patriot.THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) is an advanced anti-ballistic missile defense system developed by the United States. It is designed to intercept and destroy short-, medium-, and intermediate-range ballistic missiles during their terminal phase (descent) of flight. In its class -- defending against short- and medium-range ballistic missiles at high altitude -- THAAD is arguably the best. The US reportedly transferred a second THAAD battery to Israel in May. In October last year, the US sent a THAAD battery to Israel to thwart more attacks by Iran and its allies. THAAD is a critical part of the US military's layered air defense systems and adds to Israel's already formidable anti-missile defenses.The name of the missile spells vengeance as it is named after Major General Qasem Soleimani , who was killed in January 2020 in an American drone strike ordered by then US President Donald Trump near Baghdad International Airport in Iraq, when Soleimani was going to meet the Iraqi prime minister. Commander of the Quds Force, Soleimani was considered the second most powerful person in Iran after its Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.Qassem Basir, a medium-range ballistic missile (MRBM), marks a significant advancement in Tehran's missile capabilities. Named after General Qasem Soleimani, the missile is a successor to the Shahid Haj Qassem, introduced in 2020. With a reported range of 1,200 kilometers and enhanced guidance systems, the Qassem Basir is designed to penetrate advanced missile defense systems, making it a formidable asset in Iran's military arsenal.Its two-stage solid-fuel motor offers rapid launch readiness and stable storage and it carries a 500 kg payload. It incorporates an electro-optical infrared seeker combined with inertial navigation, allowing terminal-phase target identification without GPS reliance. The missile is equipped with a maneuverable reentry vehicle (MaRV) capable of high-speed evasive maneuvers, enhancing survivability against interception.The Qassem Basir's advanced guidance system, featuring an infrared seeker, enables precise targeting even under electronic warfare conditions. This capability ensures that critical infrastructure, such as airfields and command centers, can be effectively neutralized.The missile's MaRV design allows for unpredictable reentry trajectories, complicating interception efforts by adversary missile defense systems. Iran claims a low interception rate, though independent assessments may vary.The use of solid-fuel propulsion and mobile launch platforms enhances the missile's readiness and survivability. Its deployment from civilian-looking vehicles adds a layer of deception, complicating adversary targeting efforts.The modular design of the Qassem Basir suggests that it can be produced in large quantities, potentially overwhelming adversary defenses through sheer volume.The introduction of the Qassem Basir is likely to alter the strategic calculus in the Middle East. Adversaries, particularly the US and Israel, may perceive this development as a significant escalation, prompting a reassessment of defense postures and deterrence strategiesThe Qassem Basir represents a notable leap in Iran's missile technology, offering enhanced accuracy, survivability, and operational flexibility. While its full impact remains to be seen, it undeniably strengthens Iran's deterrent capabilities and could reshape regional security dynamics. As such, the Qassem Basir is indeed a game-changer in the Middle East.