Haj Qasem (missile)

The Haj Qasem is an Iranian-developed solid-propellant, road-mobile ballistic missile. It is named after Iranian Major General Qasem Soleimani, who was killed in a U.S. airstrike in January 2020.

The missile was first unveiled in August 2020. Iranian sources claim it has a range of approximately 1,400 kilometers (870 miles), making it capable of reaching targets throughout much of the Middle East. It is believed to be an upgraded version of the Fateh-110 missile family, with improvements to its maneuverability, accuracy, and warhead.

The Haj Qasem missile is characterized by its conical warhead and is reportedly equipped with control surfaces for increased maneuverability during the terminal phase of flight, intended to evade missile defense systems. Its solid-propellant engine allows for quicker launch times compared to liquid-fueled missiles.

Western analysts have noted the missile's similarity to other Iranian ballistic missiles and have expressed concerns about its potential to destabilize the region. The development and deployment of the Haj Qasem missile are viewed as part of Iran's broader strategy to enhance its deterrent capabilities.