Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) on Wednesday unveiled a new air-to-ground missile that can be mounted on combat helicopters, Press TV reported. Dubbed Azarakhsh (Thunderbolt) seems to be an AIM-9P short-range air-to-air missile modified for anti-armor role.

The Azarakhsh missile recently unveiled by Iran's IRGC
(Credit: Tasnim News)

The unveiling ceremony was held on the sidelines of the inauguration of three aviation centers, including a helicopter research center and a center for specialized helicopter overhaul, in the presence of IRGC Commander Major General Mohammad Ali Jafari and other Armed Forces' commanders.

The 127-millimeter (mm) caliber missile, dubbed can be used in low-altitude air operations and against ground targets.

Azarakhsh weighs around 70 kg and is 3,096 mm long, and has a range of 10 km and a maximum speed of 550 meters per second.

The domestically-manufactured weapon is also equipped with thermographic detectors, according to the report.

Besides Azarakhsh missile, the IRGC also unveiled Mil Mi-17 transport helicopters equipped with a night vision system, according to the Al-Alam channel.