In a confusing report, Iranian media says the Iranian navy has just upgraded their missiles with laser guidance.

The reports call the missiles “hawk” or “cruse missiles” which is incorrect.  Iran does still use the old U.S. designed Hawk anti-aircraft missile, with upgraded tracking systems, but it is not a cruse missile (they actually make their own Hawks).

Also, what the video shows looks more like a anti-ship missile.  Actually I’ve seen videos of two sizes of missiles, which would explain the Iranian media giving two range limits for supposedly one missile.  One has a range of 45 km (28 miles), the other 300 km (186 miles).

It looks to me that they are talking about a new anti-aircraft missile, for their naval ships, and a new ship launched anti-ship missile.  The missiles aren’t actually new, but the adaption of laser guidance is.

Having laser guidance means that you can get more accurate hits, and not have to worry about radar jamming.