German Newspaper: Iran Tested Missile Secretly in January
February 6, 2006 :: News
The German daily Die Welt cites western intelligence sources as reporting that Iran secretly tested a new surface-to-surface ballistic missile last month. The purpose of the test, which allegedly took place on January 17, was to collect electronic and aerodynamic measurements from the long-range missile during its flight. The test was conducted by a 15-person engineering team under the direct control of the Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, and was attended by commanders of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard as well as some high-ranking employees of the Iranian aviation industry. Diplomatic sources in Iran are cited as saying the test was a success.
The German news agency DDP speculates that the above-mentioned missile may have been the Shahab-4, an intermediate-range weapon similar to the older Shahab-3 except for its increased range of over 2,000 km (approx. 1,250 miles) and its improved accuracy based on more modern digital guidance systems. Although the Shahab-4 project has been shrouded in secrecy in recent years, it is most likely an attempt to make Iran’s missile program less dependent upon foreign materials. (Article, Link)
» More stories on: Iran, Testing - Foreign
» Missile details: Shahab-6, Small ICBM
Dinerman on Missile Defense Needs for 2006
January 30, 2006 :: The Space Review :: Analysis
Taylor Dinerman, writing for TheSpaceReview.com, contends that ballistic missile defense is necessary now more than ever, in light of the escalating world conflict with Iran. Dinerman points out that if the pronouncements of Iran’s leaders are any indication, they will be depending on their ballistic missiles to deliver the nuclear weapons they hope to build. If or when Iran decides to use such weapons, the first thing it would likely do is launch strikes against Israel and U.S. regional targets, perhaps followed by attacks on U.S. allies in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Although the U.S. maintains surveillance satellites are capable of locating part of Iran’s missile force, Dinerman stresses that “it takes active weapons to either destroy a missile on the ground or after it has taken off.” Yet “little has been said about the potential for missile defense to blunt [the Iranian threat], or to make it easier for the U.S. launch an attack.” If, as so many western statesmen say, Iran’s nuclear weapons program is unacceptable, “then doing something about it is going to involve more than just diplomacy.”
Dinerman recommends that the U.S. should redeploy its Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) interceptors that performed well against Iraq’s short-range Scud missiles during the 2003 war, positioning them to defend high value regional targets. The PAC-3 units should be joined by Aegis-equipped cruisers and destroyers armed with Standard Missile-2 and SM-3 interceptors. Both the PAC-3 and Aegis should be integrated with Israel’s Arrow system, which is operational and has proven itself in recent tests. (Article, Link)
» More stories on: Analysis, Iran
» Missile system details for: Aegis Ship-Based BMD, Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3)
Timmerman on Iran
January 9, 2006 :: Analysis
Conflict between Israel and Iran may well be brewing, suggests Kenneth R. Timmerman in FrontPage Magazine. Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s stroke has thrown Israeli politics into turmoil, and might be the starting point of a coming showdown between the Jewish state and the Islamic republic. Timmerman notes that Sharon had made a strategic decision—against the advice of his own generals and intelligence staff—to support U.S. backed nuclear negotiations with Iran led by the EU. With Sharon incapacitated, Israel might pursue other options in the face of escalating Iranian rhetoric and actions.
On January 3, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Corps began a two-day seminar in Tehran on nuclear-biological-chemical warfare and new defense technologies, including lectures by Iranian experts on electromagnetic pulse weapons, graphite bombs, and laser-guided bombs. On January 4, three battalions of the IRGC began three days of military exercises in the Semnan province, not far from Iran’s main ballistic missile test range. That same day, Iran’s top nuclear negotiator, Ali Larijani, told Iranian TV that Israel will “suffer a great loss” if it attacks Iran, noting that Israel has “no strategic depth” and is “within our range.” In addition, the Russians have agreed to sell S-300 anti-ballistic missile systems to Iran.
In early December, Lieutenant General Dan Halutz, Israel’s military chief of staff, told foreign journalists in Tel Aviv that he believed diplomacy had reached a dead end. When asked by one reporter how far Israel was ready to go to stop Iran’s nuclear projects, Halutz replied, “2,000 kilometers,” the distance by air between Israel and Iran’s main nuclear and missile sites. (Article, Link)
» More stories on: Analysis, Iran, Israel
Jane’s: Syria Agrees to Hide Iranian Nuclear Materials
December 20, 2005 :: Jane's Information Group :: News
Syria has agreed to store Iranian nuclear materials should Tehran come under UN sanctions, reports Jane’s Defence Weekly. According to Jane’s, Syria has committed “to allow Iran to safely store weapons, sensitive equipment or even hazardous materials on Syrian soil should Iran need such help in a time of crisis.” The agreement is said to be part of a larger Iranian-Syrian strategic accord meant to protect either country from international pressure. For instance, Iran has pledged to grant safe haven to any Syrian intelligence officer indicted by the UN or Lebanon regarding the Hariri assassination. Likewise, Syria is obligated to continue supplying the Iran-sponsored terrorist group Hizbullah with weapons, ammunition, and communications. The Iranian-Syrian accord, negotiations of which began in 2004, was signed by both parties on November 14, 2005, in preparation for possible sanctions imposed on either state. (Link)
» More stories on: Iran, Syria
North Korea Said to Aid Iranian Missile Projects, Including Ghadr
November 21, 2005 :: UPI :: News
The UPI news agency quotes an Iranian dissident group on the continued aid to Iran’s missile programs from such sources as North Korea. The official cited mentions both the Shahab-3 and the longer range Ghadr ballistic missile programs.
Tehran is building nuclear-warhead capable missiles with help from North Korean experts in a vast underground complex, Iranian opposition sources said Monday.
The project was initiated at the end of the Iran-Iraq war in 1989. The plan involves dozens of immense tunnels and facilities built under the mountains near Tehran.
“North Korean experts have cooperated with the Tehran regime in the design and building of this complex,” said Alireza Jafarzadeh, president of Strategic Policy Consulting, and a former representative of the Mujahedeen-e-Khalq. “Many blueprints of the site have been prepared by North Korean experts.”
Hemmat Industries Group Factory, the most important branch of Iran’s Aerospace Industries Group is currently building Shahab-1, Shahab-2, Shahab-3 and Ghadar missiles, according to Jafarzadeh. Shahab-3 and Ghadar missiles have nuclear warhead capability.
“Shahab-3 missiles are being manufactured in large numbers, and are already part of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards arsenal,” Jafarzadeh told United Press International. The Ghadar missile is still in the production stage, and is 70 percent complete. Shahab-3 has a range of 1,300 to 1,900 km (800-1,100 miles) and Ghadar has a range of 2,500 to 3,000 km (1,150-1,850 miles).
Working in utmost secrecy Hemmat Industries Group have been allocated code numbers. Movahed Industries, codenamed 7,500, builds the body of the missile and does final assembly. Karimi Industries, the most secretive part of the program, codenamed 2500, builds the warhead.
This group is located in the largest tunnel at the Khojir complex deep inside the Khojir and Bar Jamali Mountain. The tunnel is about 1,000 meters (yards) long, 12 meters wide. Iran has refused to allow U.N. inspectors to visit the military sites where much of the nuclear weapons work is reported to be conducted.
Information obtained by Jafarzadeh from source in Iran indicate that A.Q. Khan traveled to Iran in 1987 where he met with three top commanders of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards who were working at the time on nuclear research. The IRGC delegation was headed by Brig. Gen. Mohammad Eslami.
(Article, Link)
» More stories on: Iran, North Korea, Proliferation
Russians Said to Proliferate Stolen German Missile Tech to Syria, Iran
November 5, 2005 :: AFP :: News
The German news magazine “Focus” reports on November 5 that the Berlin government has warned German defense industry that certain Russian criminals have been transferring German technology to Iran and Syria.
Apparently, high-quality technology, which is sold to Russian companies in good faith, goes directly to Iranian or Syrian missile workshops.
Using Moscow as a hub, the Tehran regime, in particular, is increasingly purchasing German top products for the expansion of its arsenals of weapons of mass destruction. Measuring devices, as well as drive and control systems for the so-called Shahab-3 programme, are mostly made in Germany: the new missile, which is to be equipped with nuclear warheads, with an envisaged range of 3,500 km, could hit also European targets precisely.
The present “early warning letter” to the German industry, which is based mainly on information from the Federal Intelligence Service [Bundesnachrichtendienst], mentions 15 companies in Moscow, St Petersburg, and Samara that are regarded as procurers for Iranian arms manufacturers. An institute at Moscow Technical University is also among the addresses that are used as cover.
Syria, also served via Russia, needs the German technology for its old Scud missiles, which are primarily aimed at Israel. At present, there is a high demand for systems to improve target accuracy.
(Article, Link)
» Text of Focus report on Russian transfers
» More stories on: Iran, Proliferation, Russia, Syria
Reports: Russia Aiding Iran’s Advanced Missile Programs
October 16, 2005 :: News
The London Telegraph carried a front page story which has since become rather controversial, repeating reports that Russia has actively aiding Iran’s ballistic missile programs, supplying them with production facilities, diagrams, and operating instructions. Some aid is also said to have come from North Korea, via Russians, from the North Korean missile program which are said to be based on the Soviet/Russian SS-N-6 missile. The story comes as Condoleezza Rice met with Russian officials about that country’s aid to Iran’s nuclear program. From the Telegraph:
The Russians are acting as go-betweens with North Korea as part of a multi-million pound deal they negotiated between Teheran and Pyongyang in 2003. It has enabled Teheran to receive regular clandestine shipments of top secret missile technology, believed to be channeled through Russia.
Western intelligence officials believe that the technology will enable Iran to complete development of a missile with a range of 2,200 miles, capable of hitting much of Europe. It is designed to carry a 1.2-ton payload, sufficient for a basic nuclear device.
The revelation raises the stakes in the confrontation between Iran’s Islamic regime and the West - led by the United States and European countries including Britain.
…Iran’s longest-range missile is the Shahab 3, which, with an 800-mile range, could hit Israel. The North Korean deal will allow the Iranian missile to reach targets far into Europe - including Rome, Berlin, and much of France.
North Korea has developed a missile, the Taepo Dong 2, that could reach America’s west coast, based on the submarine-launched Soviet SSN6. Modifications allow it to be fired from a land-based transporter and this technology is being smuggled to Teheran with Russian help.
Russians have provided production facilities, diagrams and operating instruction so the missile can be built in Iran. Liquid propellant has been shipped to Iran. Russian specialists have also been sent to Iran to help development of its Shahab 5 missile project, which the Iranians hope to have operational by the end of the decade.
Such reports about Russian proliferation to Iran are, however, nothing new, and the sensation generated is probably as much due to the timing than the substance.
Russian news agencies Interfax and RIA-Novosti reported Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov calling the Telegraph report “delirium, nonsense,” and saying Russia aims “to observe scrupulously the non-proliferation regime.” (More »»»)
» Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov denies
» Parliament member Kosachev denies
» Pravda: experts differ on Iran missile proliferation connection
» More stories on: Iran, Proliferation, Russia
Iran Parades Missiles
September 22, 2005 :: News
Iran conducted a military parade today to mark the anniversary of the start of the 1980-1988 Iran-Iraq war, the beginning of what Iran calls “holy defense” week. The parade took place conducted south of Tehran, near the tomb of Ayatollah Khomeini. At his first military parade since taking office, President Mamhoud Ahmadinejad addressed dozens of top Revolutionary Guard officials, as well as generals in the regular army. (The Revolutionary Guard operates Iran’s ballistic missiles.)“Those who decide to misuse our nation’s honour and dignity and want to test what has been tested in the past, should know that the flames of the nation’s wrath are very hot and destructive,” said Ahmadinejad. The parade’s announcer repeatedly cried “God is Great!” when six Shahab-3 missiles went past the presidential viewing platform. The announcer said too, “If world arrogance wants to attack Iran … [it] will destroy their countries with these missiles.” Some of the missiles had banners saying, “Israel should be wiped off the map” and “We will trample America under our feet,” “Death to America,” and “Death to Israel.” The banners and verbal attacks prompted a number of European military attaches, from France, Italy, Greece, and Poland, to leave the parade. One diplomat is quoted as saying, “there was a common position among the European Union members that, if the military parade included any slogans that attacked our allies, we would leave.”
The major media services report the display of the Shahab-3, but there were a number of others. According to a summary of the parade provided on live Iranian television (Vision of the Islamic Republic of Iran Network 1) and translated via BBC Monitoring, the missiles displayed included:
- Shahab-3, 2,000km range
- Zelzal 1 and Zelzal 2, range 150-400
- M-11 Variant/Tondar-68, purchased from China, range 400km
- Nazeat
- “M-6”(see below)
- HQ-2 air-/missile-defense system, purchased from China
The reference to an “M-6” missile may well be a typographical error. It more likely refers to the M-9 variant, which Iran purchased from China. The term “Nazeat,” however, has been used to describe a primitive 150km range missile.
- M-9 missile, range 600km, purchased from China
Summary of parade provided by Iranian television: (More »»»)
» AFP Summary of parade
» Iranian TV account of parade, via BBC Monitoring
» More stories on: China, Chinese Missile Defenses, Iran, Proliferation
» Missile details: M-9 variant, M-11 variant, Shahab-6, Zelzal-1/2/3
» Missile system details for: Hongqi-2 (HQ-2)
Japan Suspects North Korea-Iran Link
June 30, 2005 :: News
Japan is worried that Iran has leaked high-tech cruise missile technology to North Korea, reports the Japanese daily Sankei Shimbun. At issue is a shipment of Kh-55 cruise missiles that Iran received from the Ukraine in 2001. The Kh-55, which was developed in the late 1970s in the former Soviet Union, has a range of 3,000 km (1,864 miles), enough to threaten all of Japan if deployed by North Korea. Japan is concerned that Iran has transferred the technology to North Korea, which might be able to arm the Kh-55 missiles with nuclear warheads. Sankei Shimbun quotes a Japanese Defense Ministry source as saying about Iran and North Korea, “They are linked by a network beneath the surface regarding the development of weapons of mass destruction.” (Article, Link)
» More stories on: Cruise Missile Defenses, Iran, North Korea, Proliferation
U.S. Intercepts Nuclear Material Bound for North Korea and Iran
June 1, 2005 :: Bloomberg :: News
The U.S. and its allies have intercepted 11 shipments of nuclear materials bound for North Korea and Iran. According to the State Department, the successful interdictions were carried out by the Proliferation Security Initiative, a two-year program started by President Bush that has the support of 60 nations. At present, the U.S. is withholding specific details of the interdictions to ensure continued cooperation from countries that do not otherwise wish their participation made public. (Article, Link)
» More stories on: Iran, North Korea, Proliferation
