Iran readies formidable missile arsenal amid Israel tensions
The Iranian authorities will most likely not leave the latest Israeli attack unanswered. We can expect even more ballistic missiles than last time. Here’s what Iran has at its disposal.
Ballistic missiles are a key element of Iran's defense strategy, which has been intensively developed for about 20 years. Although the initial development relied on post-Soviet and North Korean technology, Iran has since begun its own production.
These missiles are particularly dangerous because few anti-aircraft systems can intercept them, which additionally increases defense costs. The key difficulty in destroying them is their immense speed, reaching Mach 5 (about 3,300 mph) or higher. Due to the distance between Iran and Israel, only missiles with a range exceeding 620 miles are suitable for retaliatory attacks.
Iranian arsenal capable of striking Israel
During recent missile attacks on Israel, Iran used missiles such as Shahab-3, Kheybar-Shekan, Fattah, Ghadr, and Emad. All these missiles can be launched from mobile platforms, significantly complicating their detection and destruction.
In 2020, Iran had about 50 launchers for Shahab-3 missiles and several for Ghadr and Emad. Since then, their numbers may have significantly increased. Current estimates suggest that Iran may have about 200 missiles ready for launch, and their total number could even reach several thousand.
The initial versions of Iranian ballistic missiles were based on Soviet Luna-M models, known in Iran as Zelzal. These missiles measure about 29 feet and weigh 3.9 tons. Over time, they have been enhanced with modern navigation systems based on inertial and satellite technologies, creating the Fateh series with a range of up to 310 miles.
Newer versions achieve accuracy within 33 feet and were the starting point for developing longer-range missiles. The Shahab-3 missile, 52 feet long with a range of 810 miles, entered service in 2003, carrying warheads weighing over 1,543 pounds. Over time, more advanced versions, such as Ghadr and Emad, were developed, with ranges of up to 1,240 miles.
The Ghadr and Emad missiles are equipped with MIRV-type warheads, which allow warheads to separate in space and hit different targets, forcing defense systems to use many interceptors. All, like the Shahab-3, use liquid fuel, which is efficient but corrosive. This requires the missiles to be fueled directly before use, exposing the launcher to attack and reducing the response time to threats.
Therefore, the current typical solution for ballistic missiles is the use of solid-fuel engines, which can be kept ready for extended periods. Although these missiles have a shorter range and are more difficult to produce, Iran has also mastered this technology, as confirmed by the presence of the Kheybar-Shekan missile with a range close to 870 miles, first recorded in 2022.
