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The Qassem Bassir (also transliterated Qasem or Ghasem Bassir) missile is an Iranian medium-range ballistic missile (MRBM) unveiled in May 2025.[1][2] With a solid-fueled, two-stage system, it is presented as an improved variant of Iran’s Haj Qassem series, named after Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani.[3][2][4] Iranian officials state the Qassem Bassir has a range of about 1,200 km, and features enhanced guidance and countermeasure resistance.[1][2] The missile was revealed by Iranian Defense Minister Brig. Gen. Aziz Nasirzadeh on Iranian state television on 4 May 2025.[1][2] Iran claims the Qassem Bassir missile can penetrate advanced missile defenses, and can strike selected targets (e.g. runways, aircraft hangars) with "pinpoint" accuracy without GPS,[5] though western analysts have cast doubt on these claims which are likely tinted with internal propaganda.[2] Despite ongoing nuclear-deal talks with Washington, Iran chose to showcase its new missile, warning that it would strike back at the United States and its Western partners if challenged.[6][7][8]

Development

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The Qassem Bassir emerged from Iran’s ongoing missile program development. It is explicitly an upgrade of the "Shahid Haj Qassem" medium-range ballistic missile (MRBM) first unveiled in 2020 (with a longer advertised 1,400 km range).[9] Iranian sources state that the Qassem Bassir’s design incorporated lessons from the True Promise 1 and 2 operations.

Design and technical characteristics

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The Qassem Bassir’s design emphasizes solid-propellant performance and low observability. Its two-stage solid-fuel motors enable quicker launch readiness compared to liquid fuel rockets.[10] The missile is about 11 meters long and weighs on the order of 7 tons, carrying a single ~500 kg warhead.[10] Its airframe reportedly uses carbon-fiber composite materials to reduce structural mass and radar cross-section.[10] Stabilization at launch is provided by eight large fins at the rear.[10] Unlike some Iranian MRBMs (e.g. Sejjil or Iskander-derivatives), the Qassem Bassir does not use thrust-vectoring; instead, it relies on fixed aerodynamic fins and mid-course control surfaces to adjust its trajectory.[10] It can be launched from mobile transporter-erector-launchers (TELs) - even disguised as civilian trucks - increasing survivability of the launch unit.[10] Estimates from Iranian sources suggest the Qassem Bassir re-enters the atmosphere at speeds up to ~Mach 11 and impacts at about Mach 5, classifying it as hypersonic at terminal phase.[11]

Iran has indicated the Qassem Bassir uses a simple, modular airframe to facilitate mass production.[10] Officials hint at future variants with extended range (potentially up to ~1,800 km) and further improved reentry vehicles[10] As of its unveiling, the Qassem Bassir is the longest-range Iranian MRBM fitted with an electro-optical seeker, surpassing earlier designs like the Zolfaghar Bassir (a related short-range system).[10]

Guidance system

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The Qassem Bassir’s guidance system combines inertial navigation with an advanced electro-optical sensor for the terminal phase. According to the Iranian Defense Ministry, it carries a thermal imaging (Infrared) camera that allows the missile to visually identify and home in on designated targets by their heat signatures,[10][11] this means it can "see" its target and maneuver toward it without relying on any satellite GPS signal.[10][12] Iranian reports state that during testing the Qassem Bassir flew under intense jamming, yet its autonomous optical seeker and onboard inertial units maintained trajectory[10][12] Observers note this is the first Iranian MRBM reported to use an image-based (infrared/optical) terminal seeker.[12] In practice, this guidance scheme should make the Qassem Bassir largely immune to radio-frequency jamming; as one analyst explained, by matching real-time images to stored terrain or target shapes, the missile avoids any external signals that an enemy could block.[12] Iran claims that the Qassem Bassir can achieve near "meter-level" accuracy against selected targets (e.g. airfield facilities).[11][12]

Missile defense evasion

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The Qassem Bassir is also designed for terminal maneuvers to evade defenses. Its warhead (reentry vehicle) separates from the booster and is built as a maneuverable reentry vehicle (MaRV) with movable control fins.[10] During reentry, these fins allow the warhead to perform sudden course changes at supersonic speed[10][11] The MaRV shape is optimized to reduce drag and radar cross-section after boost, further complicating detection and tracking.[10][11] According to Iranian statements, these evasive maneuvers have made the Qassem Bassir far harder to intercept; Tehran claims an interception rate of only ~5% by modern defenses.[10]

Independent analysts caution that such figures likely include elements of propaganda.[10] Others, such as Andreas Krieg, a senior lecturer at King’s College London, are skeptical about Iran's claims about the new missile, stating that they need to be taken with a "pinch of salt,”, further stating about Iran that "they claim a lot" in order to retain a deterrent posture in anticipation of a rise in military tensions between Iran and the US.[13]

Parameter Reported figure/feature Reported advantage
Range ~1,200 km[14] (Reportedly, a 3000 km range model based on North Korean design is under development)[15] Threatens western bases in the region, particularly those of the US[16][17][18]
Speed Up to Mach 12 (Similar to Haj Qassem)[10]
Impact speed Mach 5[11]
Air-frame Carbon fiber composite materials[10] Reduction of structural mass and radar cross section, interferes with early detection systems[19]
Length ≈ 11 m[10]
Launch mass ≈ 7 t[10]
Launch vehicle Mobile transporter-erector-launchers (TELs)[10]
Warhead ~500 kg (unitary or modular)[10]
Fuel Solid[10] Quicker launch readiness and stable storage conditions[20]
Propulsion Two‑stage solid‑fuel motor[10]
Guidance system Thermal Imaging Sensor, Electro-optical imaging and onboard inertial measurement units (IMU)[10] as well as Electronic Protective Measures (EPM) Improved accuracy through identification of targets by heat signature during terminal flight phase,[21] not dependent on satellite navigation systems (GPS)[22] though reportedly retains satellite signal correction capabilities.[15] The EPM protects the missile's guidance system from electronic interference and jamming.[21]
Reentry Maneuverable reentry vehicle (MaRV)[10] Decreases drag, reduces radar observability, and improves ballistic efficiency.[10] Allows the warhead to evade missile defenses that rely on fixed-path predictions through trajectory shifts upon reentry.[21] Unclear if it performs aerodynamic glide or skip maneuvers, possibly conducts pseudo-random evasive movements near the target zone[10]

Test firing and unveiling

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According to the Iranian Ministry of Defense, the Qasssem Bassir missile was successfully test-fired on 16-17 April 2025, striking a target over 1,200 km away.[23][24] On 4 May 2025, the missile’s formal unveiling took place, while US-Iran talks were on hold after a pause requested by Oman’s foreign minister.[25] In public statements, Iranian Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh and media outlets stressed that Bassir’s enhancements in guidance and maneuverability address the deficiencies of earlier missiles,[26][27][28] while stating that US bases in the region would be legitimate targets if military tensions in the area were to increase.[29][30][31][32] The unveiling came amid a series of recent Iranian missile demonstrations (including the Fattah hypersonic missile) signaling Iran’s continued advancement in missile technology.[23]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c "Iran Unveils Qasem Basir Ballistic Missile With Optical Guidance". www.defensemirror.com. Retrieved 2025-05-08.
  2. ^ a b c d e Brahy, Jérôme. "Iran deploys new Qassem Basir ballistic missile to counter US most advanced air defense systems". armyrecognition.com. Retrieved 2025-05-08.
  3. ^ "Iran unveils missiles with increased range". France 24. 2020-08-20. Retrieved 2025-05-08.
  4. ^ "Iran unveils new ballistic missile, vows to respond to Israeli aggression". www.intellinews.com. 2025-05-05. Retrieved 2025-05-08.
  5. ^ "Iran unveils new solid-fueled ballistic missile, state TV reports". The Economic Times. 2025-05-05. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved 2025-05-08.
  6. ^ Press, Associated (2025-05-04). "Iran unveils new solid-fueled ballistic missile, state TV reports". The Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 2025-05-08.
  7. ^ "Institute for the Study of War". Institute for the Study of War. Retrieved 2025-05-08.
  8. ^ "Iran Unveils New Ballistic Missile Amid Rising Tensions". www.ilmessaggero.it. 2025-05-05. Retrieved 2025-05-13.
  9. ^ RFE/RL. "Iran Tests Missile It Claims Can Reach Israel, Get Past US Defenses". RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty. Retrieved 2025-05-08.
  10. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac Brahy, Jérôme. "Iran deploys new Qassem Basir ballistic missile to counter US most advanced air defense systems". armyrecognition.com. Retrieved 2025-05-12.
  11. ^ a b c d e f "Iran unveils new ballistic missile, vows to respond to Israeli aggression". www.intellinews.com. 2025-05-05. Retrieved 2025-05-13.
  12. ^ a b c d e RFE/RL. "Iran Tests Missile It Claims Can Reach Israel, Get Past US Defenses". RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty. Retrieved 2025-05-13.
  13. ^ Helou, Agnes (2025-05-05). "Iran unveils its latest ballistic missile as Netanyahu warns Houthis' 'patron'". Breaking Defense. Retrieved 2025-05-13.
  14. ^ Brahy, Jérôme. "Iran deploys new Qassem Basir ballistic missile to counter US most advanced air defense systems". armyrecognition.com. Retrieved 2025-05-12.
  15. ^ a b "Iran Unveils Qasem Basir Ballistic Missile With Optical Guidance". www.defensemirror.com. Retrieved 2025-05-12.
  16. ^ Helou, Agnes (2025-05-05). "Iran unveils its latest ballistic missile as Netanyahu warns Houthis' 'patron'". Breaking Defense. Retrieved 2025-05-13.
  17. ^ "Iran threatens to hit US bases after unveiling new ballistic missile". www.iranintl.com. 2025-05-04. Retrieved 2025-05-12.
  18. ^ "Iran Unveils New Ballistic Missile Amid Rising Tensions". www.ilmessaggero.it. 2025-05-05. Retrieved 2025-05-13.
  19. ^ Brahy, Jérôme. "Iran deploys new Qassem Basir ballistic missile to counter US most advanced air defense systems". armyrecognition.com. Retrieved 2025-05-12.
  20. ^ Brahy, Jérôme. "Iran deploys new Qassem Basir ballistic missile to counter US most advanced air defense systems". armyrecognition.com. Retrieved 2025-05-12.
  21. ^ a b c "Institute for the Study of War". Institute for the Study of War. Retrieved 2025-05-12.
  22. ^ Brahy, Jérôme. "Iran deploys new Qassem Basir ballistic missile to counter US most advanced air defense systems". armyrecognition.com. Retrieved 2025-05-12.
  23. ^ a b Brahy, Jérôme. "Iran deploys new Qassem Basir ballistic missile to counter US most advanced air defense systems". armyrecognition.com. Retrieved 2025-05-12.
  24. ^ "Iran Unveils Qasem Basir Ballistic Missile With Optical Guidance". www.defensemirror.com. Retrieved 2025-05-13.
  25. ^ Press, Associated (2025-05-04). "Iran unveils new solid-fueled ballistic missile, state TV reports". The Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 2025-05-08.
  26. ^ "Institute for the Study of War". Institute for the Study of War. Retrieved 2025-05-13.
  27. ^ "Iran Unveils Qasem Basir Ballistic Missile With Optical Guidance". www.defensemirror.com. Retrieved 2025-05-13.
  28. ^ RFE/RL. "Iran Tests Missile It Claims Can Reach Israel, Get Past US Defenses". RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty. Retrieved 2025-05-13.
  29. ^ Press, Associated (2025-05-04). "Iran unveils new solid-fueled ballistic missile, state TV reports". The Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 2025-05-08.
  30. ^ "Institute for the Study of War". Institute for the Study of War. Retrieved 2025-05-13.
  31. ^ "Iran Unveils New Ballistic Missile Amid Rising Tensions". www.ilmessaggero.it. 2025-05-05. Retrieved 2025-05-13.
  32. ^ "Iran unveils cutting-edge missile, says U.S. bases are targets if attacked". Tehran Times. 2025-05-04. Retrieved 2025-05-13.
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