Iran has recently unveiled its first-ever hypersonic missile, Fattah, which it says can penetrate missile defence systems and will give it a military edge

About Fattah Missile:

• It is an intermediate range ballistic missile developed by Iran.
• It can travel at hypersonic speeds of up to 15 times the speed of sound and can penetrate missile defence system.
• It has a range of 1,400 kilometres and uses solid propellants, allowing high manoeuvrability.
• This missile has the capability to utilize various warheads for different missions.

What are Hypersonic Missiles?

• Hypersonic missiles travel at speeds of at least Mach 5 — five times the speed of sound — and can manoeuvre mid-flight, making them harder to track and intercept.
• Unlike conventional ballistic missiles, hypersonic ones fly on a trajectory low in the atmosphere, enabling them to reach their targets more quickly and with less chance of being intercepted by modern air defences.