359 Missile: Advancing Beyond the Legacy of 358 Missile!
In 2025, during a television documentary, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran introduced a more advanced version of the 358 missile, known as the 359 missile. Similar to the 358, the 359 is a loitering defensive missile but has been enhanced in its capabilities. It can now engage targets at higher altitudes and at greater speeds.
Based on the provided images and information, the 359 loitering missile is larger than the 358 missile, with both its length and diameter nearly doubled.
The missile features four movable wings at the front and four large fixed wings at the rear. These wings have been proportionately enlarged to match the dimensions of the fuselage. Notably, the rear fixed wings include small control surfaces at their tips, which enhance the missile’s maneuverability and control.
Read more: 358 Missile; The World’s First Drone-Based Air Defense Missile!
The 359 missile features a new, larger engine that boosts its speed to 1,000 kilometers per hour. It has a range of over 150 kilometers and can reach a flight altitude of more than 30,000 feet (9,200 meters).
One notable improvement of the 359 missile compared to the previous 358 model is its recoverable capability. Unlike the 358, which could not be recovered, the 359 is equipped with a recovery parachute. This means that if the missile fails to intercept a hostile target or is used for reconnaissance and surveillance operations, it can be safely recovered using the parachute.
The 359 missile is equipped with a significantly larger warhead, which provides enhanced destructive and explosive power compared to its predecessor, the 358 missile. This increased capacity makes the 359 a formidable weapon on the battlefield. Additionally, it can be equipped with an electro-optical payload specifically designed for reconnaissance and surveillance operations, allowing it to gather critical intelligence in situations where a high-explosive warhead may not be necessary.
In terms of performance, the 359 missile has undergone comprehensive improvements, making it more advanced and effective than the 358. It is now capable of targeting adversaries at higher altitudes and achieving faster speeds. With a maximum flight altitude that surpasses 30,000 feet and a top speed of 1,000 kilometers per hour, the 359 missile can effectively engage airborne warning and control system (AWACS) aircraft as well as aerial refueling tankers.
Moreover, the missile boasts an extended cruising range of over 150 kilometers, which significantly enhances Iran’s strategic capabilities in air defense. This extended range not only allows for greater flexibility in deployment but also improves the country’s ability to monitor and protect its airspace from potential aerial threats. Overall, the advancements in the 359 missile position it as a critical asset in Iran’s defense arsenal.
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