The “drone-killing” success of Iran’s 358 loitering munition, especially against expensive US-made platforms, is attracting attention well beyond the battlefield in the Middle East.
In China, state media has taken a look at the Iranian-designed counter-drone loitering interceptor’s reported role in bringing down multiple uncrewed aerial vehicles, or drones, like the MQ-9 “Reaper” in the US-Israel war on Iran.
The 358 missile, also known as the SA-67, weighs about 50kg (110lbs). Powered by a micro-turbojet and solid rocket booster, it cruises subsonically at about Mach 0.6 for 100-150km (62-93 miles) and employs an infrared seeker for target guidance.
Compared with conventional surface-to-air missiles, which often exceed Mach 3, the missile 358’s relatively slow speed is a significant limitation deemed inadequate for engaging jet-powered aircraft.
However, the weapon possesses unique advantages, according to Chinese military commentator Zhang Xuefeng.
The 358 has “no problem at all” taking down slower-flying, turboprop-powered Medium-Altitude, Long-Endurance (MALE) drones like the Reaper, and its main benefit is its extremely low cost, Zhang told state broadcaster CCTV on Wednesday.
