Iran's missile strategy intensifies amid Israeli tensions
The Iranian authorities are unlikely to leave the latest Israeli attack unanswered. More ballistic missiles than previously can be expected. 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 stages relied on post-Soviet and North Korean technology, over time, Iran commenced its own production.
These missiles are particularly dangerous because there are few anti-aircraft systems capable of intercepting them, which increases defence costs. A key difficulty in destroying them is their enormous speed, reaching Mach 5 (about 5,300 km/h) or higher. Due to the distance between Iran and Israel, only missiles with a range exceeding 1,000 km are suitable for retaliatory attacks.
Iranian arsenal capable of striking Israel
During recent missile attacks on Israel, Iran utilized missiles such as Shahab-3, Kheybar-Shekan, Fattah, Ghadr, and Emad. All these missiles can be launched from mobile platforms, which significantly complicates their detection and destruction.
In 2020, Iran had about 50 launchers for Shahab-3 missiles and several for Ghadr and Emad. Since then, the number may have significantly increased. Current estimates suggest that Iran may have about 200 missiles ready for launch, and the 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. They measure about 9 metres and weigh 3.9 tonnes. Over time, they have been enhanced with modern navigation systems, including inertial and satellite technologies, resulting in the Fateh series with a range of up to 500 km.
Newer versions achieved accuracy within 10 meters and were the starting point for the development of longer-range missiles. The Shahab-3 missile, 16 metres long and with a range of 1,300 km, entered service in 2003, carrying warheads weighing over 700 kg. Over time, more advanced versions were developed, such as Ghadr and Emad, with ranges of up to 2,000 km.
The Ghadr and Emad missiles are equipped with MIRV-type warheads, allowing them to separate in space and strike 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 fuelled directly before use, exposing the launcher to attack and reducing the response time to threats.
Therefore, the typical solution for ballistic missiles is using solid-fuel engines, which can be kept ready for extended periods. Although these missiles have a shorter range and are more challenging to produce, Iran has also mastered this technology, indicated by the presence of the Kheybar-Shekan missile with a range close to 1,400 km, first recorded in 2022.
