Iran missile
The Shaheen missile, part of Iran's medium range anti-aircraft air defence system Mersad (Ambush), on its launcher during a ceremony in Tehran on 11 April, 2010. Reuters

Iran has announced that it has successfully testfired a short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) capable of hitting the country's neighbours.

The missile, named Fateh 110, has a range of around 300 kilometres. A previous version had a range of 200km.

"With the fourth-generation of the Fateh 110, the armed forces of our country are able to target and destroy land and sea targets, enemy headquarters ... missile seats, ammunition sites, radars and other points," said Iran's Defence Minister, Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi, according to the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA). He did not reveal when or where the test was conducted.

The missile was locally constructed. The Fateh 110 has proved to be the most accurate missile in Iran's arsenal. The surface-to-surface weapon is based on a single-stage solid propellant rocket.

"Using new guidance methods, target-striking systems were installed on the missiles and during the flight test... its ability to hit the target without deviation was proven. In future programmes all missiles built by the defence ministry will be equipped with this capability," the defence minister said.

He said such missiles are designed to protect the country from its adversaries and will be used only in self-defence.

Tehran has been upgrading its weapons systems to target Israel and other US bases in the Middle East over the past few years. Israel is around 1,000km from Iran, while the US navy has a fleet stationed around 200km away in the Persian Gulf.

Iran has repeatedly said it will retaliate against any country that initiates an attack on its territory.

Iran also has long-range missiles such as the Shahab-3, whose range of 2,000km means it is capable of striking Israel and southern Europe.

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