Iran tests new surface-to-surface missile

[unhappycamper]

Iran tests new surface-to-surface missile
By Ali Akbar Dareini - The Associated Press
Posted : Wednesday Nov 12, 2008 15:44:50 EST

TEHRAN, Iran — Iran said it successfully test-fired a new generation of long range surface-to-surface missile on Wednesday — one that could easily strike as far away as southeastern Europe with greater precision than earlier models.

The Sajjil is a solid fuel high-speed missile with a range of about 1,200 miles, Defense Minister Mostafa Mohammed Najjar said on state television. At that range, it could easily strike Iran’s arch-foe Israel and go as far as southeastern Europe.

Solid-fuel missiles are more accurate than the liquid fuel missiles of similar range currently possessed by Iran. The country has had a solid-fuel missile with a shorter range — the Fateh, able to fly 120 miles — for several years.

The Islamic Republic News Agency said the test was conducted Wednesday, and television showed the missile being fired from a desert launching pad.

Najjar said the missile was a defensive weapon and not a response to threats against Iran. He didn’t name any country, but Israel has recently threatened to take military action against Iran to stop Tehran from developing a nuclear bomb.


Rest of article at: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/11/ap_iranmissiletest_111208/%2e