Iran Unveils Model-359, a Long-Range Loitering Surface-to-Air Missile
Iran unveils 359 missile, designed to shoot down HALE drones and other slow-flying aerial targets.
Iran has introduced the Model-359, a surface-to-air cruise missile designed to destroy slow-flying targets, such as HALE drones, transport planes, or special mission aircraft like AEW&C systems or tankers. This new "loitering" missile is based on the Model-358, which has previously been used with some success by Houthi forces to shoot down U.S. and Israeli drones in Yemen.
This type of surface-to-air weaponry, unique in its class worldwide, is launched from a rail typically mounted on a vehicle. The missile is propelled by a solid-fuel rocket booster that detaches once its fuel is expended. Subsequently, the missile, which also functions as an anti-aircraft drone, activates its main propulsion system: a small turbojet engine, similar to those used in land-attack or anti-ship cruise missiles.
The Model-359 is significantly larger than the 358, allowing it to carry more fuel and possibly a more powerful warhead. Reports indicate that this new missile is powered by a Tolou-10 turbojet engine, which, combined with design changes, gives it a range of up to 150 km and the ability to intercept targets at altitudes exceeding 9 km (30,000 feet), reaching speeds of up to 1,000 km/h.
Equipped with a passive seeker head, notable tactical mobility, long range, and a low thermal signature, the Model-359 poses a considerable threat to large aircraft operating in the rear of an air force. While a fighter jet could easily evade such a missile (if detected in time), transport or similar aircraft would struggle to avoid it, especially during takeoff, landing, or approach phases to an airbase.
The Model-359, like the recently unveiled long-range stealth drones, reflects Iran's distinctive approach to modern military doctrine. These solutions, although relatively low-cost, are designed to present a significant challenge to conventional military forces, even those with superior equipment.
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