Iran claims Fattah-2 deployment in Middle East war: All about Tehran's 'upgraded' hypersonic missile
Times of India
by TOI WORLD DESKMarch 3, 2026
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Iran claims to have deployed its Fattah-2 hypersonic missile in escalating confrontations with the United States and Israel, marking what could be the first operational use of this advanced weapon. The Fattah-2, unveiled by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in November 2023, is designed as a hypersonic glide vehicle capable of reaching Mach 15 speeds and targeting up to 1,400 km away. This missile's ability to maneuver and strike from unexpected directions poses a significant challenge to conventional missile defense systems.
The deployment comes amid heightened tensions following the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with strikes hitting high-value targets, including his compound. While social media videos claiming to show Fattah-2 launches have not been independently verified, military analysts suggest Iran may be using Fattah-1 and Fattah-2 missiles in these operations. The missile's reported 200 kg warhead adds to its destructive potential, further complicating regional security dynamics.
Tehran has also retaliated against Gulf states hosting U.S. military bases, launching barrages of missiles, drones, and other weapons at American installations in the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar. These attacks have targeted both military facilities and civilian infrastructure, causing casualties and raising concerns about broader instability in the region. The conflict's spill-over into Gulf nations underscores Iran's aggressive approach and its willingness to escalate tensions beyond its borders.
The Fattah-2's deployment highlights Iran's growing capabilities in hypersonic technology, a field that is increasingly critical in modern warfare. While analysts remain skeptical of Tehran's claims, the theoretical implications of such a missile are significant—its speed and maneuverability could render existing defense systems ineffective, shifting the balance of power in the Middle East. This development not only raises regional security concerns but also draws global attention to the potential for further escalation in an already volatile region.
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Originally published on Times of India on 3/3/2026