Iran's missile might: A closer look at threats to Israel
The Iranian authorities will likely respond to the latest Israeli attack. An increase in ballistic missile activity is expected compared to previous incidents. Here’s what Iran has in its arsenal.
Ballistic missiles are a crucial aspect of Iran's defence strategy, which has developed intensively over the past 20 years. While the initial technology was derived from post-Soviet and North Korean designs, Iran eventually began producing its own.
These missiles are particularly dangerous because there are few anti-aircraft systems that can intercept them, increasing defence costs. A key challenge in destroying them is their tremendous speed, reaching Mach 5 (approximately 5,310 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
In 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 detection and destruction.
In 2020, Iran had about 50 launchers for Shahab-3 missiles and a few 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 stockpile could be 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 based on inertial and satellite technologies, creating the Fateh series with a range of up to 500 km.
Newer versions achieve accuracy within 10 metres and were the starting point for developing 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, which allow multiple warheads to separate in space and hit different targets, forcing defence systems to use numerous interceptors. All, like the Shahab-3, use liquid fuel, which is efficient but corrosive. This requires the missiles to be fueled immediately before use, exposing the launcher to attack and reducing the response time to threats.
Therefore, today's 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 mastered this technology, confirmed by the presence of the Kheybar-Shekan missile, first recorded in 2022, with a range close to 1,400 km.
