On February 2, 2025, Iran showcased a new ballistic missile named Etemad during a ceremony in Tehran attended by President Masud Pezeshkian. The missile, measuring 16 meters in length and 1.25 meters in diameter, boasts a range of 1,700 kilometers and the capability to carry a guided warhead, according to the state-run Tasnim news agency.
President Pezeshkian stated that advancements in Iran's defense capabilities and space technologies serve to deter aggression and ensure that no country dares to invade Iranian territory. The event also featured the first public display of the upgraded Bavar 373 air defense system, which now operates independently with its tracking radar.
In recent days, the Iranian Armed Forces have highlighted their achievements in weapon manufacturing, particularly in missiles and drones. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Navy unveiled a new underground cruise missile base designed to target enemy destroyers in strategically important southern waters. During this presentation, the Qadr 380 cruise missile was tested, which has a range exceeding 1,000 kilometers and can be operated by a single person in under five minutes.
Additionally, the ultra-heavy drone 'Gaza' was introduced, featuring a wingspan of 22 meters and the capacity to carry 13 bombs with an operational range of 4,000 kilometers. Western nations are increasingly concerned about Iran's ballistic missile program, viewing it as a destabilizing factor in the Middle East. The new missile can potentially reach Israel, Iran's primary adversary, which faced two attacks from Iran during the Gaza conflict last year. Such displays of military advancements are customary in Iran leading up to the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution, celebrated on February 10.