Fajr-5

The Fajr-5 (Persian: فجر-۵, meaning "dawn-5") is an artillery rocket developed by Iran in the 1990s. The system is part of the Fajr family of rockets.

Overview

The latest production of the Fajr-5 is installed on a new Mercedes-Benz 6 x 6 forward control chassis and the platform is now integrated into a complete weapon system rather than an individual launcher. To provide a more stable firing platform four hydraulically operated stabilisers are lowered to the ground before firing.

The new chassis has improved cross-country mobility and the forward control fully enclosed cab provides space for the driver and two passengers. Another fully enclosed cabin to the immediate rear of the cab houses the remainder of the crew. The new Mercedes-Benz chassis is similar to that manufactured in China, which is used as the basis for the Norinco (China North Industries Corporation) 122 mm (40-round) Type 90 ARS.

While the primary role of this artillery rocket system is the engagement of land targets, AIO says that a radar can be added to give the system the capability to track and engage naval targets. The Fajr-5 missile, which is launched from a mobile platform, reportedly has a range of 75 kilometers (50 mi).

History

The first Fajr-5 were created when China exported WS-1 MLRS to Iran in the late 1980s/early 1990s. They were then subsequently created and produced by Aerospace Industries Organization.

In May 2006, Iran's Aerospace Industries Organization (AIO) has developed an upgraded version of the well-established Fajr-5 333 mm (4-round) unguided surface-to-surface artillery rocket system (ARS).

Combat Record

It is reported that Iran has supplied a number of these rockets to Hezbollah forces in Lebanon in 2006.

During the 2006 Israel-Lebanon conflict Hezbollah militants fired rockets deeper into Israel than in past conflicts. Hezbollah has called these rockets the Khaibar-1. Israeli police bomb experts believe the rockets are an enhanced version of the Iranian-made Fajr-5 rockets. The attack attained the longest range of its kind from the Lebanese border to date.