Iran unveils new, more accurate ballistic missile technology

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has unveiled a new ballistic missile, the country’s state TV reported Sunday, amid heightened tensions with the U.S.

Iran routinely unveils what it describes as technological advances for its armed forces ahead of the February anniversary of its 1979 Islamic Revolution.

State television said the missile, called Raad-500, or thunder, had half the weight of a similar ballistic missile, Fateh-110, but had 200 kilometers (some 120 miles) more range. The fourth generation of Fateh-110 has 300 kilometers (some 180 miles) range.

The Guard also unveiled a new missile engine that uses solid fuel and a satellite carrier that has “movable nozzle technology." The technology increases a missile's accuracy in hitting targets.

The U.S. alleges such activities defy a U.N. Security Council resolution calling on Iran to undertake no activity related to ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons.

Iran fired a barrage of ballistic missiles at a military base in Iraq housing American troops in January, after a U.S. drone strike killed its top general Qassem Soleimani outside Baghdad.