by It should be noted that Cyprus-Dodecanese as well as the Souda base are within range of the Iranian Kheibar missile, which necessitates our long-standing proposal to create a joint Greek-Cypriot-Israeli anti-aircraft defense.
It is true that Greek-American relations have reached their peak in recent years, with our country developing the use of existing American bases on its territory, while at the same time proceeding to the creation of new ones, including the most important in Alexandroupoli.
Greek-Israeli relations are on a similar wavelength, with both countries seen as pillars of stability and peace in the southeast Mediterranean.
Iran has expanded its missile program, especially its ballistic missiles, despite opposition from the United States and concerns expressed by European countries.
Iran has developed a missile with a range of 2000 km
Iran, for its part, is known to be an enemy of Israel and the United States, and recently revealed the development of the fourth-generation Khorramshahr ballistic missile named Khaibar, with a range of 2,000 km (1 243 mi) and a 1,500 kg (3,300 lb) warhead. , as the official IRNA news agency reported on Thursday, according to an article by a reputable Israeli international media, which points out:
“Iran has expanded its missile program, especially its ballistic missiles, despite opposition from the United States and concerns from European countries. Tehran says the program is purely defensive and deterrent.
“Iran’s latest ballistic missile and the latest Aerospace Industry Organization (AIO) product of the Ministry of Defense were unveiled today in a ceremony attended by the Minister of Defense,” added IRNA.
US accusations of Chinese aid to Iran
The United States last week charged a Chinese national with violating U.S. sanctions by supplying Iran with materials used to make ballistic missiles, Manhattan federal prosecutors said, for helping Iran buy components to manufacture ballistic missiles.
The sanctions prohibit companies from using the US financial system.
Did Iran name its missile after an anti-Jewish battle?
Reports indicate that Iran named its missile “Khaybarshekan”, a name that appears to refer to a historic battle involving Jews in the early Islamic period.
The phrase “Khaybar, Khaybar ya yahud” is often used in the region as part of anti-Semitic songs, promoting the mass murder or genocide of Jews.
Iran’s ballistic missile arsenal
The missile, named Kheibar, was unveiled in the presence of Iranian Defense Minister Mohammad Reza Ashtiani, a day after Iran marked the anniversary of the liberation of the border town of Khorramshahr, a major event during the Iran war. -Iraq from 1980-1988.
Iran is believed to have the largest and most diverse ballistic and cruise missile arsenal in the Middle East region, which has often brought it into conflict with the West.
The most important missiles in the Iranian arsenal are the Emad, Fajr-3, Ashoora, Ghadr-110, Khorramshahr, Sejjil and Shahab-3.
The Kheibar is the latest version of the Khorramshahr missile and is fitted with one of the most advanced liquid fuel engines mounted in a fuel tank which has reduced its size by 13 meters (43 ft) increasing its tactical capabilities.
The warhead of this missile, measuring about 4 meters (13 feet), would be one of the largest and capable of carrying more than a ton of ammunition.
Characteristics-Numerical data of Kheibar
According to military experts, what distinguishes the Kheibar from other missiles of previous generations is its precision in locating targets and adjusting its trajectory in the flight phase outside the Earth’s atmosphere, as well as the deactivation of its system guidance when entering the atmosphere to avoid being intercepted by enemy air defenses.
Its longer range, smaller size, higher accuracy and advanced guidance and control system are what set it apart from similar missiles in Iran and the region, according to military experts.
The United States and its allies have frequently raised concerns about Iranian missile proliferation and imposed a series of sanctions targeting the country’s missile industry.
Iran insists its missile program is “peaceful” but “non-negotiable” while maintaining a 2,000km range for its missiles in a bid to counter Western concerns.
In February, the head of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards (IRGC), General Hossein Salami, said the country planned to develop hypersonic missiles. His remarks followed news that Iran had developed a new cruise missile, the Paveh, with a range of 1,650 kilometers (1,025 miles), with Commander-in-Chief Aerospace Amir Ali Hajizadeh issuing a warning veiled against Israel.
The unveiling of the new missile came two days after Israel’s top general warned against “action” against Iran, amid growing tensions between the two sworn enemies.
“Iran has pursued uranium enrichment more than ever before… There are negative developments on the horizon that could lead to (military) action,” said Major General Herchi Halevi, chief of the Israeli armed forces.
Cyprus – Dodecanese – Souda base within range of the Iranian Kheibar missile
It should be noted that Cyprus-Dodecanese as well as the Souda base are within range of the Iranian Kheibar missile, a fact that requires the increase of our air defense capabilities in these areas.
The above brings back to the table our long-standing proposal-introduction for a unified anti-aircraft defense of Greece-Cyprus-Israel, which, in our opinion, should be thoroughly discussed by the competent bodies of the 3 countries.
