TEHRAN, July 25 (Xinhua) -- The Iranian naval forces on Tuesday received a homegrown "Abu Mahdi" cruise missile capable of hitting targets within 1,000 km, the official news agency IRNA reported.
The "Abu Mahdi" missile was handed over during a ceremony in Parchin, a military site located southeast of the capital Tehran, said the report.
According to IRNA, the missile is equipped with a powerful warhead to hit marine targets like cruisers, frigates and destroyers within its designed range.
It can be fired from different fixed and mobile carriers and is capable of receiving updates on the target's final position after being launched, IRNA added.
Among the missile's other features are allowing for management of target selection on the battlefield, evading detection by enemies' air defense systems and being launched from underwater, the report said.
"Abu Mahdi" is equipped with artificial intelligence to avoid natural and manmade obstacles and detection by enemies' radars and defense systems, it added.
Speaking at the ceremony, Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy Commander Alireza Tangsiri said the missile is equipped with a dual-mode seeker and capable of pursuing several targets and hitting them from behind.
The missile can also force the enemies' aircraft carriers to stay at least 2,000 kilometers away from the country's coastlines, making fighter jets on board the warships practically "ineffective," Tangsiri added.
Also at the ceremony, Iran's Defense Minister Mohammadreza Ashtiani said the strategic weaponry would significantly expand the country's marine defense range, adding that Iran's defense capabilities are aimed at promoting peace and ensuring regional security. ■
