The Fateh-313 is a short-range solid-fuel missile, an upgraded version of the Fateh-110 series of missiles. The Fateh-313 features an extended range of 500 km and improved accuracy.¹ Iran likely used the Fateh-313 in its January 8, 2020 attacks against U.S. forces in Iraq.  

Fateh-313 Development

Iran first unveiled the Fateh-313 missile at its Defense Industry Day in August 2015, a month after a landmark nuclear deal with the United States.² The limited imagery of the Fateh-313 suggests that its dimensions are roughly similar to the Fateh-110. Its additional range likely is the result of using lighter-weight composite motor casings, which reduces the overall launch weight of the missile.³ The rear fins and finlets just above them are also distinct from the Fateh-110. 

The expanded range of the Fateh-313 serves several purposes in Iran’s planning. It provides a wider target set, allowing Tehran to threaten more of the Arab Gulf states military facilities. The greater range also allows Iran to fire its missiles from more places inside its territory, allowing its launchers to disperse more effectively complicating attempts to strike them before the missiles can be launched.⁴

The Fateh-313 precision are likely derived from more advanced inertial navigation, coupled with satellite navigation, and potentially some form of terminal guidance. The larger guidance unit being facilitated by a smaller nose section and not the propulsion system suggests that at least some weight reductions are accomplished through a reduced payload.⁵ The improved precision of the missile could provide Iran a more effective tool against hardened military targets.

In February 2020, Iran displayed a new variant of the Fateh-313 called the Raad-500, claiming it used a new generation of Zoheier engines made of lighter composite materials.⁶ While similar to the Fateh-313, including the same 500 km range, the Raad-500 has slightly different control surfaces and a slightly different shape to its nose cone, both suggesting improved guidance.⁷ Iranian officials claimed these upgrades can be applied across Iran’s missile arsenal.⁸

Operational History 

On January 8, Iran launched ballistic missiles strikes against U.S. forces at Ain Al-Asad and Erbil Air Bases in Iraq. At least 11 missiles struck Al-Asad air base, with at least two striking in the vicinity of Erbil. Iranian news sources reported that the IRGC used Fateh-313 missiles in the attack, potentially demonstrating a greater degree of precision than many observers had previously assumed.⁹