Qader cruise missile

Iran’s military has claimed that its Navy deployed shore-based Qader cruise missiles targeting the US aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, prompting the vessel to alter its position. The claim was made in an official statement, though there has been no immediate confirmation from US authorities.

According to Iranian sources, the Qader missile is part of the country’s coastal defence system, designed specifically to engage sea-based targets such as warships and oil tankers. The missile can be launched from land-based platforms positioned along Iran’s coastline.

The Qader cruise missile reportedly carries a 200-kilogram high-explosive warhead and is capable of striking targets at significant distances over water. It operates as a low-altitude, sea-skimming missile, making detection and interception more difficult.

Iran has increasingly emphasized such systems as part of its asymmetric maritime strategy, aimed at countering larger naval forces in the region, particularly in sensitive waterways like the Persian Gulf.

While Iran asserts that the missile activity forced the US carrier to change course, independent verification of the incident remains unavailable, and US officials have not publicly responded to the claim.

The development highlights ongoing tensions in the region and underscores Iran’s focus on strengthening its coastal defence and anti-ship capabilities.