Iran Unveils 359 Loitering SAM Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

Iran has introduced the Model-359, a surface-to-air cruise missile designed to destroy slow-flying targets, such as HALE drones, transport planes, or special mission aircraft like AEW&C systems or tankers.

This type of surface-to-air weaponry, unique in its class worldwide, is launched from a rail typically mounted on a vehicle. The missile is propelled by a solid-fuel rocket booster that detaches once its fuel is expended. Subsequently, the missile, which also functions as an anti-aircraft drone, activates its main propulsion system: a small turbojet engine, similar to those used in land-attack or anti-ship cruise missiles.

The Model-359 is significantly larger than the 358, allowing it to carry more fuel and possibly a more powerful warhead. Reports indicate that this new missile is powered by a Tolou-10 turbojet engine, which, combined with design changes, gives it a range of up to 150 km and the ability to intercept targets at altitudes exceeding 9 km (30,000 feet), reaching speeds of up to 1,000 km/h.

Equipped with a passive seeker head, notable tactical mobility, long range, and a low thermal signature, the Model-359 poses a considerable threat to large aircraft operating in the rear of an air force. While a fighter jet could easily evade such a missile (if detected in time), transport or similar aircraft would struggle to avoid it, especially during takeoff, landing, or approach phases to an airbase.

The Model-359, like the recently unveiled long-range stealth drones, reflects Iran’s distinctive approach to modern military doctrine. These solutions, although relatively low-cost, are designed to present a significant challenge to conventional military forces, even those with superior equipment.