IRGC Media Claim Yemeni Anti-Air Missile Is Iranian Technology

Photo published by Tasnim shows Al-Saqr missile in a Houthi military parade
Photo published by Tasnim shows Al-Saqr missile in a Houthi military parade

In a report on a new air defense missile allegedly used by Yemen’s Houthis, Tasnim news agency affiliated with the IRGC implies that the technology is Iranian.

The missile dubbed Al-Saqr or falcon in Arabic, is a loitering weapon developed to counter drones and helicopters, Tasnim claims in a detailed article on Wednesday. It says that the weapon is also known as Missile-358.

Tasnim has also published photos of the weapon as it was displayed at a Houthi parade in Yemen, implying that the technology could have been provided by Iran.

The report says Al-Saqr is 2.7 meters long, weighing 58 kilograms and a diameter of 15 centimeters carrying a ten-kilogram warhead. It can reach an altitude of 28,000 feet but is designed against low-flying drones.

Tasnim claimed this Saqr missile was photographed near the US airbase of Harir in Iraq
Tasnim claimed this Saqr missile was photographed near the US airbase of Harir in Iraq

Tasnim claims that the weapon is equipped with both optical and heat-seeking capabilities. The warhead is equipped with proximity fuses and has been able to destroy three Saudi drones.

It is not clear why the IRGC-affiliated website would advertise a Houthi weapon and imply that the technology is Iranian, except to show that the Islamic Republic can play a disruptive role in the region.

Tasnim also describes Al-Saqr as a loitering munition that is equipped with a “microjet” engine but uses a rocket booster at the launch stage, which separates from the missile after reaching a certain altitude.

The report also said that the Yemeni weapon can be a sign that Iran has developed low-altitude air defense capabilities against drones. It added that Houthis have deployed many weapon systems similar to what Iran has in its arsenal.