What is Iran's missile capability?
Najmush Shahadat Najmush Shahadat
Published: 03 Oct 2024, 05:43 pm
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What is Iran's missile capability?
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Iran sees its ballistic missiles as an important deterrent and retaliatory force against the United States, Israel and other regional enemies. It has been accused of seeking nuclear weapons, a charge Iran has always denied.
Iran's recent missile attacks against Israel have once again highlighted the importance and strength of Iran's missile program.
Iran launched more than 200 missiles at Israel last Tuesday night. Which was basically a retaliatory action centered on the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and Israel's operation against Hezbollah in Lebanon.
It was Iran's second major missile attack in the past five months. Before this, the country launched a direct attack against Israel for the first time last April.
Iran's defense forces claimed they used their most powerful ballistic missile in the attack.
After that attack on Tuesday night, now the whole Middle East has almost sounded the alarm of war. As Israeli warlord Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has threatened to retaliate, US President Joe Biden has warned Iran about the future.
In such a context, the question has arisen that what is the missile capability of Iran against Israel and the United States?
Iran's Missile Capabilities:
Iran has the world's largest stockpile of ballistic missiles. According to the US National Intelligence Service, Iran's missile arsenal is the largest and most powerful in the Middle East. which has long been a concern for Western countries.
Iran's semi-official news agency ISNA published a graphic last April. Where it is shown that Iran has 9 such missiles, which are capable of hitting Israel. Notable among these are 'Sezil', 'Khyber', and 'Haj Qasem'.
Iran also claims that it has a variety of missiles. These include 'Sezil', 'Khyber', and 'Haj Qasem'. Among them, Sejal has a speed of 17,000 km per hour and is capable of covering a distance of 2,500 km. Besides, the Khyber is capable of striking at a distance of up to 2,000 km and the Haj Qasem has a range of 1,400 km.
Range of Iran's Ballistic Missiles:
Iran's missiles use different types of fuel. Solid-fueled missiles are launched from angled mobile launchers. And liquid-fueled missiles are fired from vertical launchers. Iran has used both types of missiles in recent attacks.
According to the Washington-based Arms Control Agency, Iran's missile program falls into several categories:
Shahab-1: 300 km
Zolfagar: 700 km
Shahab-3: 800-1,000 km
Imad-1: 2,000 km
Sezil: 1,500-2,500 km
Recent developments in Iran:
Iran has made great strides in its missile technology. In 2020, Iran launched a ballistic missile from underground for the first time. Apart from lightening the structure of the missiles, their speed has also been increased.
Hypersonic Missile:
In 2023, Iran demonstrated its first indigenous hypersonic ballistic missile. Such missiles can hit targets at five times the speed of sound and are extremely difficult to intercept.
Regional Attacks and Effects:
Iran has used its missiles in several regional attacks. In January 2024, Iran attacked Israeli spies in Iraqi Kurdistan. Apart from this, Pakistan also fired missiles at the bases of Baloch rebels.
And in 2020, Iran also attacked the US-led forces in Iraq. Among them was the attack on Al-Assad Airbase.
Support for Yemen's Houthis:
The US has been accusing Iran of supplying missiles to Yemen's Houthi rebels. However, Iran has denied the allegations. This Yemeni armed group has also been attacking Israel. The Houthis have carried out attacks on ships and Israel in the Red Sea, largely as part of the Gaza war.
Support for Hezbollah and Syria:
Iran has also been supplying missiles to Lebanon's Hezbollah and Syria. Hezbollah has received technical assistance from Iran to develop its rockets into precision missiles. On the other hand, the Syrian military has also been able to develop its own missiles with the help of Iran.
Iran's Future Missile Plan:
Iran continues to improve its missile program and increase its military capabilities using new technologies. According to experts, Iran wants to take its defense program to a stage where it will be able to mount a strong resistance against Western powers.
Iran's missile program is largely based on designs by North Korea and Russia, with assistance from China. Which has now become a major military threat throughout the Middle East region. Source: Reuters
