| More

The Threat of Iranian Missile Development and Export

Iran’s rapidly expanding missile program is a growing threat to regional stability in the Middle East and is a cause of grave concern to Tehran’s immediate and more distant neighbors. Al-Alam, Iran’s Arabic-language news service, recently declared that the Islamic Republic is the region’s missile power. [1] Additionally, it is suspected that North Korean technological know-how is being transferred to Iran, aiding its nuclear program development. [2]

On May 20, 2009, Iran test-fired the solid-fuel Sejil-2 missile with a range of more than 1,200 miles (2,000 km), capable of striking Israel and parts of Europe. According to Iranian Defense Minister Mostafa Mohammed Najjar, the Sejil-2 differs from the earlier version of the Sejil in that it “is equipped with a new navigation system as well as precise and sophisticated sensors.” The U.S. Department of Defense confirmed that the test-launch was successful. Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said the missile “landed exactly on target.”

The advantage of a solid-fuel missile is that it is easily stored and hidden, moved, reassembled, and fired on short notice, making it more difficult to target. [3]

On Feb. 3 2009, Iran launched a domestically made satellite into orbit for the first time. Iran said the launch of the Omid (Hope) research and telecom satellite was a major step in its space technology timed to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the 1979 Islamic revolution. The long-range ballistic technology used to put satellites into orbit, can launch warheads. [4]

On July 9, 2008, as part of a series of war games code-named “The Great Prophet,” Iran successfully launched the Shahab-3 missile that travels up to 930 miles (1,500 km). [5] The newer Shahab-3ER, with a 2,000-km range, puts Turkey into Iran’s missile range. [6] Iran could also strike numerous European countries with its long-range ballistic BM25 land-mobile missiles; one model has a range of 1,550 miles (2,500 km) and the other can reach as far as 2,175 miles (3,500 km). [7] Cities in range include Kiev, Athens, and Budapest.

In addition, Iran is also developing its own satellite-launching capability, which could allow for the conversion of a satellite launcher into an intercontinental ballistic missile with a range of almost 2,500 miles (4,000 km). [8] Rome, Vienna, Berlin and Warsaw will all be in range following this development.

Iran’s increasing military prowess indicates Tehran’s growing ambitions in the international arena and its desire to exert even greater influence in Middle East affairs. In conjunction with Iran’s continued support of terror through non-state organizations such as Hamas and Hezbollah, Iran is now in a position to spread its weapons technology to many other groups and regimes. Of particular concern is Tehran’s ongoing uranium enrichment program, which has the potential of sparking a nuclear arms race in the Middle East.

At a military parade in Tehran, banners adorning six Shahab-3 missiles proudly displayed Iran’s hatred toward Israel and the United States, reading, “Israel must be wiped off the map” and “We will crush America under our feet.” [8]