The Iranian-based news agency Tasnim reported on Wednesday that Iranian military scientists have acquired technical knowledge on how to manufacture a cruise missile capable of traveling at supersonic speeds.

According to the report, the homegrown missile is currently undergoing trials. 

As part of the latest generation of Iranian cruise missiles, the supersonic cruise missile paves the way for a new chapter in the development of Iran's defense technologies.

It is worth noting that the difficulty of intercepting a cruise missile is very high. 

1 - Ram-jet CM
vs.
2 - Rocket-powered supersonic kill-stage CM
vs.
3 - Anti-ship BM

Downsides:
1 ➡️ Needs titanium metallurgy to perform best. Low range

2 ➡️ Long time needed for arrival, due to subsonic cruise of 95% of the range

3 ➡️ Strikes less-vulnerable top of the ship https://t.co/z0RBToiH7k

— Patarames (@Pataramesh) August 9, 2023

Read more: IRGC navy boosts capabilities with advanced cruise missiles

Prior to the development of the weapon, Iranian cruise missiles were built with a rocket takeoff engine for the launching of the missile and a homegrown turbojet engine, dubbed Tolu’ (sunrise), for the second stage, the report states.

It further says that the use of ramjet engines in the naval cruise missiles and the development of supersonic cruise missiles will contribute to Iran's response in case of direct military conflict. 

A ramjet is a type of air-breathing engine that employs the forward motion of the engine to take in air for combustion that enacts a jet thrust.

It can work most efficiently at supersonic speeds of Mach 3 and can operate up to speeds of Mach 6.

Read more: Iran's IRGC reveals new military systems, equipment during ceremony