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November 14, 2001

Iran is building a new guided anti-tank missile (ATGM) designated Saeque-1 (Lightning-1). This is thought to be a copy of the US FGM-77 Dragon, a missile regarded as obsolete. The Iranian missile, hailed for its accuracy and adaptability, is said to have a range of 1,500 meters and tandem shaped-charge warheads. It is unclear whether Iran copied the Dragon's balky and complex propulsion system, or why they would want to. Iran has also announced production of a towed 155mm howitzer which is said to be a close copy of the US-built M114 howitzers once sold to the Shah. The Iranian version has a longer 39-caliber barrel and might have more range than the US-built weapons.--Stephen V Cole