Fajr-5

Iranian long range multiple launch rocket system
The Fajr 5 launcher fires four 6.48 meter long, 333 millimeter calibre Fajr 5 artillery rockets, with a range of 75 kilometers (50 mi), weighing 915 kilograms each and carrying 175 kg fragmentation warheads with 90 kg of high explosive (HE). Most Fajr 5 rockets are unguided; in 2017 Iran introduced a variant, the Fajr 5C, which adds GPS guidance. The Fajr 5 is primarily used by the Iranian Army Ground Force to attack large, fixed, high value targets, like airfields and military bases. To provide a stable firing platform, four hydraulically operated stabilizers are lowered to the ground before firing. The primary role of this artillery rocket system is the engagement of land targets. A naval surface search radar can be added to allow the system to be used in an anti shipping role.

The rocket is solid fueled and has a fragmentation high explosive warhead. The Fajr 5 rocket carries a 175 kg warhead with a fragmentation radius of 500m. This variant has a diameter of 333 mm, like other Fajr 5 rockets, but has fixed fins, which have a diameter of 561 mm. The guided Fajr 5 rocket was briefly mentioned, and believed to be under development, in 2014. The missile has been delivered to the IRGC Ground Force units as of May 2023.

In August 2023, Iran revealed a new version of the Fajr 5 at the Ministry of Defense Industry Authority Exhibition 1402. It has a maximum range of 110km and a weight of 902kg with a warhead weighing 115kg while achieving an accuracy of 25m CEP.

When the Fajr 5 is reloaded, the launch tubes (in two groups of two) are detached from the launcher and laid on the ground by a crane (an Italian Effer 155 25). Then, a machine called a "Loading machine" is used to mechanically press the heavy Fajr 5 rockets into their launch tubes one by one. When all the tubes are filled, the crane is used to reattach the launch tubes to the vehicle. They were then subsequently created and produced by Iran's Aerospace Industries Organization.

As of 2011, the best estimate for the number of Fajr 5 pieces manufactured was "somewhere around 100" or less.

Iran supplied a number of Fajr 5s to Hezbollah in Lebanon beginning in 2002 or 2001. Sources disagree on whether Hezbollah used Fajr 5 rockets in the 2006 Lebanon War, in part because at the time they were confused with similar Khaibar 1 rockets.

Fajr 5 rockets are held in the Gaza strip by Palestinian militant groups. The first was fired by Hamas in November 2012. It is believed that manufacture of some sub components and final assembly may take place in Gaza, but that the critical components of the rocket are furnished by Iran. Some Palestinians have named their children after the Fajr 5.

In November 2012 during Operation Pillar of Defense, Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad fired Fajr 5 rockets towards Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. One hit an apartment block in Rishon LeZion. At least 14 rockets were fired in total. In December 2018 some Fajr 5 rockets were destroyed in an IAF airstrike.

Sporadically, during the US occupation of Iraq (between 2003 and 2011), Iranian Backed militias fired the 333 Fajr 5 at US forces from fabricated rails. In 2015, Iran sent Fajr 5 rockets and launcher systems to Iraq to be used in the War against the Islamic State. It is unknown if they were fired, and the quantity sent is also unknown.

The Houthis have unveiled a rocket with similarities to the Fajr 5.