Iran possesses a wide range of short, medium, and long-range missiles, making it the largest and most diverse missile arsenal in the region. The development of Iran’s missile system began both before and after the Iranian Revolution, particularly under the pressure of Western sanctions.
Recent Missile Attack
On October 1, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard launched more than 250 ballistic missiles at several cities and towns in Israel. This operation, authorized by Iran’s Supreme National Security Council and supported by the army, came in response to an Israeli assault on Gaza a year earlier, which led to significant destruction and numerous Palestinian casualties, including the assassination of senior leaders such as Ismail Haniyeh, the former head of Hamas’s political bureau.
Following this attack, Hezbollah opened a support front from southern Lebanon to assist Gaza. Israel responded with airstrikes on southern Lebanese towns, targeting key Hezbollah leaders, including former Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah. In retaliation, Iran launched dozens of missiles at Israeli towns.
The Iran-Iraq War: A Turning Point
Iran began to seriously develop its missile arsenal during the Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988) after Iraqi missiles targeted Iranian cities. During this period, acquiring military equipment became difficult due to international restrictions, prompting Iran to improve its defense system by using simpler and more affordable missile technology.
Iran began importing Soviet Scud missiles from Libya and North Korea during the war and later expanded its missile program with the help of countries like North Korea, Russia, and China, striving for self-sufficiency in missile production. This effort included buying missiles from Syria and Libya while continuing to develop its domestic capabilities.
Iran established a scientific base for missile research, training its own experts and enhancing cooperation with several nations, including Russia, China, and North Korea, along with some Eastern European countries.
Key Iranian Missiles
Long-Range Missiles
Emad: Iran’s first long-range, surface-to-surface missile. It has a range of about 1,700 kilometers and a payload capacity of 750 kilograms.
Qadr: Comprising three variants—Qadr H, F, and S—these missiles are capable of striking targets up to 2,000 kilometers away. The Qadr missile was unveiled in September 2007.
Sejjil: Tested in 2008, this surface-to-surface missile uses solid fuel and has a range between 2,000 to 2,500 kilometers.
Khorramshahr: Revealed in 2017, it has a range of 2,000 kilometers and can carry a warhead weighing up to 1.8 tons.
Ashoura: Unveiled in 2008, this missile has a range between 2,000 to 2,500 kilometers. It uses a two-stage solid-fuel engine and can carry various types of warheads.
Medium-Range Missiles
Shahab-3: One of Iran’s oldest missiles, with a range exceeding 2,000 kilometers. This missile has undergone multiple tests, with the first successful test completed in 2003.
Haj Qasem: Unveiled in August 2020, this ballistic missile operates on solid fuel, has a range of 1,400 kilometers, and can carry a warhead weighing 500 kilograms.
Short-Range Missiles
Fateh Family: This series includes various short and medium-range missiles known for their accuracy. They are similar to the Shahab series but use solid fuel. Iran revealed the first model of the Fateh missile in 2002.
Zolfaghar: Another member of the Fateh family, with an extended range, capable of reaching 700 kilometers.
Zelzal: A short-range missile with a range between 100 to 400 kilometers.
Fajr-5: Developed by Iran in the 1990s, this surface-to-surface missile has a range between 68 to 75 kilometers.
Hypersonic and Cruise Missiles
In June 2023, Iran unveiled its first hypersonic missile. Capable of speeds exceeding Mach 5, it poses significant challenges to interception systems due to its unpredictable trajectory.
Iran is also focusing on developing cruise missile capabilities, making it the first country in the Middle East aiming for production of such missiles. In 2006, Hezbollah used an Iranian-supplied cruise missile to hit an Israeli warship.
