| Country: |
Iran |
| Associated Country: |
North Korea |
| Class: |
MRBM |
| Basing: |
Road mobile |
| Length: |
16.58 m |
| Diameter: |
1.38 m |
| Launch Weight: |
17410 kg |
| Payload: |
Single warhead, 1,200 kg |
| Warhead: |
Nuclear, HE, chemical, or submunitions |
| Propulsion: |
Single-stage liquid |
| Range: |
1300km to 2500 km km |
| Status: |
Operational |
Details
The Shahab-3 is a medium-range, liquid-propellant, road-mobile ballistic missile. Its range is sufficient to target Israel, Turkey, the Indian subcontinent, and US forces stationed in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Persian Gulf. The missile's low accuracy means the missile would probably only be usable to attack civilian populations and has no military application other than simply holding enemy populations hostage. The Shahab-3 may also be known as the Zelzel-3, although this has not been verified.1
Iran's domestic missile program dates back to 1979, the year in which Islamic revolutionaries under the Ayatollah Khomeini overthrew the Shah and established the Islamic Republic of Iran. Almost immediately, the new government began work on a strategic deterrent that would secure Iran's borders from US intervention. In 1986, the program went into full force, and in 1993, work began on the Shahab-3. Motor tests were conducted in 1997, and the missile's first flight test occurred in 1998. Reports indicate that this test was unsuccessful although it was run under the guidance of Chinese specialists. In July 2003, Iran successfully tested the Shahab-3 yet again.2 Reports indicate that Iran might be currently developing an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) warhead for the missile.3
The Shahab-3 is believed to have a range of 1,300 km in its initial form. Unconfirmed reports dictate the possibility of a 3A version and 3B version with a maximum range of 2,500 km. The Shahab-3's payload is reported to be 1,200 kg, but lighter in the 3A and 3B versions. This translates to an 800 kg separating warhead, delivered with an accuracy of between 2,500 and 4,000 m CEP. The warhead is able to carry high explosives (HE), chemical agents, or submunitions, although an unconfirmed Israeli report claims that a nuclear warhead is in development. Further reports indicate the possibility of collaboration between North Korea, Syria, and Iran. In September of 2007, Israeli F-15 fighter-bomber aircraft performed a raid on a nuclear material cache in Syria. Those materials were believed to be delivered by sea to Syria from North Korea. Israeli reports indicate that this was intended to be delivered to Iran. 4 This cache was destroyed during the raid, although parties involved deny wrongdoing. Another correlation to note is Aviation Week & Space Technology cites that a website associated with the Iranian government, two weeks later claimed a capable force of 600 Shahab-3 missiles aimed and capable of hitting selected targets in Israel. Intelligence reports, though, thwart this claim citing the rare possibility of Iran having that many Shahab-3 systems operational.5
Another Israeli report suggests that a satellite-launch variant on the Shahab-3, the Shahab-3D, uses a Chinese guidance system with an accuracy of 250 m CEP. Reports regarding the Shahab-3D variant are unconfirmed, but suggest heavily due to public testing, that the D variant is a completely different missile system, perhaps solely intended for space propulsion. Reports indicate that the D variant is three stage and both solid and liquid propulsion. Some suggest that this indicates similarity with the North Korean Taep'o-dong 1 and possibly the Iranian designation "IRIS," a space booster.6 The Shahab-3 is believed to have a launch weight of 17,410 kg with a length of 16.58 m and a width of 1.38 m. It uses an inertial guidance system and a single-stage liquid propellant engine.
There are reports that Iran has developed a longer-range ballistic missile called the Shahab-3A.7In June 2002 it was reported that Iran was developing the Shahab 3A. It has range between 1500 and 1800 km with a increased length (17.58 m) and an increased launch weight (18300 kg). It may have a CEP of 1000 m. The project may be a joint venture with North Korea. The Shahab 3B is also reported. It has a range of 2000 to 2500 km with a launch weight of 18500 kg.
Several unsuccessful tests of the Shahab-3 were launched, only the eighth was successful. Successful tests of the Shahab-3 are confirmed for February 2006. Reports indicate 4 successful tests at ranges of up to 1300 km. Additional tests of this weapon system are confirmed in November 2006 and are capable of operational testing in military exercises from that point on.8 It is believed that around 20 missiles were operational in May 2004. By February 2006 it is believed that 30 to 50 were operational. The Shahab 3A and 3Bmay be operational in 2007.9 In November, 2007, Iranian Defense Minister Mostafa Najjar released information regarding a new missile. The new missile was dubbed Ashoura, with a range of 1200 km. According to the reports, he declined comment on this weapon's relationship with Shahab-3, but its range suggests close ties. Additional reports claim that the missile could have a 2000 km range. This is due to alternate claims that the Ashoura is possibly a two stage solid propelled missile, in similar casing to the Shahab-3. These reports are unconfirmed. Tehran has not dictated plans for testing of this weapon. 10 Mixed reports claim the possible testing and production of this weapon, but definitive knowledge of this action is uncertain11 Reports show that the Shahab-3 nose cone has been altered from its original configuration to resemble a bottleneck. Experts suggest that this is to bear a nuclear payload.
The primary threat from Iran's Shahab program is the likelihood that Iran will give or sell this technology to rogue nations or terrorist organizations antagonistic toward the U.S. To make matters worse, Iran's Shahab-3 missiles are stored and operated in underground sites under the complete control of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which enjoys little outside supervision within Iran. In 1998, for instance, Pakistan demonstrated a flight test of a missile remarkably similar to the Shahab-3, possibly the Shaheen-2 , and the North Korean No-dong 1. Although little can be done to limit Iranian missile proliferation, the technology to defend against such missiles as the Shahab-3 is easily within technological and financial reach for both the U.S. and its allies.12
Footnotes
- GlobalSecurity.org, "Shahab-3/Zelzal-3," available at http://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/world/iran/shahab-3.htm, accessed on 6 June 2008.
- Alon Ben-David, "Iran Successfully Tests Shahab 3," Jane's Defence Weekly, 9 July 2003.
- "Shahab Break-ups Suggest Possible EMP Trial," Jane's Missiles and Rockets, 1 May 2005.
- "Israelis ‘blew apart Syrian Nuclear cache,'" The London Times Online, http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/middle_east/article2461421.ece, 16 September 2007, Accessed on 10 June 2008. Dominic Waghorn, "Israel Accused of Attacking Nuclear Site," Sky News , http://news.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,30200-1284716,00.html, 19 September 2007, Accessed on 10 June 2008
- David Bond, ed, "Washington Outlook: Nuclear Iran I," Aviation Weekly & Space Technology, Vol. 167 Issue 12, p31, 24 September 2007.
- Andrew Koch, Robin Hughes, and Alon-Ben David, "Tehran Altering Ballistic Missile," Jane's Defence Weekly, 8 December 2004.
- Robert Wall, "Pentagon Sees Iranian ‘Ashura' Missile as worrying development," Aerospace Daily & Defense Report, Vol. 224, No. 433, p 1, 30 November 2007. Bill Gertz, "Romney and Huawei," The Washington Times, 7 December 2007, www.washtimes.com, Accessed on 10 June 2008. Zalman Shoval, "A threat to Israel; NIE does not diminish Iranian Menace," The Washington Times, 18 December 2007, www.washtimes.com, Accessed on 10 June 2008.
- Duncan Lennox, ed., Jane's Strategic Weapons Systems 46 (Surrey: Jane's Information Group, January 2007), 71-73.
- Lennox Jane's Strategic Weapons Systems 42 (Surrey: Jane's Information Group, January 2005), 102-103.
- Scott Peterson "Nuclear Report: parsing Iran's intent," The Christian Science Monitor, 5 June 2008. http://www.csmonitor.com/2008/0605/p06s02-wome.html. Accessed 6 June 2008.
- Charles P. Vick, "Shahab-3D," Federation of American Scientists, http://www.fas.org/nuke/guide/iran/missile/shahab-3d.htm, Accessed on 9 June 2008.
- Anthony H. Cordesman and Martin Keliber, "Iran's Military Forces and Warfighting Capabilities: The Threat in the Northern Gulf," 2007, Praeger Security International, http://0-psi.praeger.com/, Accessed 9 June 2008
- Nazila Fathi, "Iran: New Long Range Missile," The New York Times, http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/28/world/middleeast/28briefs-missile.html, 28 November 2007, Accessed on 10 June 2008.
- "Iran Fires Weapons in Response to Nearby Exercise," Aviation Weekly & Space Technology, Vol. 165 Issue 18, p 50, 6 November 2006.
Iran Conducts Missile Tests
July 9, 2008 :: New York Times :: News
Iran reportedly tested seven missiles today from a location in the Iranian desert reportedly near the Strait of Hormuz. Of the several missiles fired, reports indicate that one was the medium range Shahab-3, capable of reaching targets at a range of up to 2000 km. The other missiles fired include shorter range ballistic missiles such as the Zelzal and the Fateh 110. It is yet unclear whether the tests were successful. Iran is believed to have numerous Zelzal and Fateh missiles, and supplies them to other countries and rogue groups.
In addition to the missiles tested today, Iran is also believed to be developing longer range missiles, titled Shahab-4 and Shahab- 5, with increased range, payload, and accuracy. The rhetoric of missile bombardment most often comes from the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Tehran's most elite soldiers with nearly complete control over the Iranian missile forces. The IRGC is commanded by Hossein Salami who released a statement today saying, "Our missiles are ready for shooting at any place and any time, quickly and with accuracy. The enemy must not repeat its mistakes. The enemy targets are under surveillance." The IRGC often conducts war games in Iran's western provinces. The majority of war games which include missile tests occur around the mountainous region of Khorramabad.
Iran's tests occur on a regular basis. Yet the timing today seems deliberate, given the U.S. agreement with the Czech Republic yesterday for the stationing of missile defense radars. Gordon D. Johndroe, assistant White House press secretary, quickly responded to the tests today saying, "The Iranian regime only furthers the isolation of the Iranian people from the international community when it engages in this sort of activity."
Update: Subsequent reports dispute the number of missiles fired and the classification of those tested this week. This does not, however, alter the fact that the Shahab-3 has been successfully tested on many previous occasions.
(Article, Link)
» More stories on: Iran, Testing - Foreign
» Missile details: Fateh A-110, Zelzal-1/2/3, Shahab-3
Iran Announces New Ballistic Missile
November 27, 2007 :: Reuters :: News
On November 27, Iranian Defense Minister Mostafa Mohammad Najjar announced that Iran had developed a new ballistic missile called the Ashoura, with a range of 2,000 kilometers. It is unclear whether the Ashoura is indeed a new missile or a variation of the current Shahab-3, and Najjar did not say how the new weapon differed from the Shahab-3, which Iran has also previously claimed to have a range of 2,000km. With a range of 2,000 kilometers, the Ashoura missile could target Israel, U.S. assets in the Persian Gulf, and parts of eastern and southern Europe.
Mark Fitzpatrick, a weapons expert at the International Institute for Strategic Studies in London, said, "I think it's a pretty strong likelihood that Iran has received technology that has extended the range of their missiles, and maybe the development of a whole new missile with a longer range." Israeli experts said that unlike the Shahab series, the Ashoura uses a multi-stage, solid-fuel engine that would make it especially effective for long-range strategic use.
Iran unveiled another new missile, Ghadr-1, with a range of 1,800 km at a military parade in September and, at that time, referred to the Shahab-3 as having a range of just 1,300 km. Najjar also said a new Iranian-built submarine would be delivered to the navy on Wednesday. (Article, Link)
» More stories on: Iran
» Missile details: Shahab-3
Iran Developing Longer Range Missiles
December 2, 2004 :: New York Times :: News
Citing an Iranian opposition group, the New York Times today reports that Iran is secretly developing a ballistic missile of considerably longer-range than that which it currently admits to having, in part with the aid of North Korean scientists. The dissident group, also said to be a terrorist group, says the new missile would have a range of more than 1,500 miles (2,400km). Iran has already tested versions of its Shahab-3/4 with a range of 2,000km. Such a range would give the terrorist sponsoring nation the capability to target much of Europe.
Today the U.S. State Department also slapped sanctions on four Chinese entities (including one state-run firm) and one North Korean company, for their aiding Iran with its missile and weapons programs. Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs are not taking place in a vacuum, and their progress should come as no surprise. The proliferation of ballistic missile and weapons programs to Iran would seem to be a matter of high state policy for China and North Korea, as well as Russia, whose entities regularly receive similar sanctions and which is a primary contributor to Iran’s nuclear reactor programs.
Update: Dec. 3: Other reports include a more detailed description of the report by the National Council of Resistance of Iran. The council is said to have identified not one, but two longer-range missiles under development, calling them Ghadr 101 and Ghadr 110. Their ranges are said to be 2,500 and 3,000km, respectively. Reuters compares these missiles, being developed at the Hemmat Missile Industries complex, to the more advanced Scud E. Also of note is that the council described Iran’s August test of a Shahab missile as being of the Shahab-4, rather than the Shahab-3. Some have speculated that Iran’s retaining the same nomenclature for a more advanced missile may be part of a design to understate its capabilities. Iran has only admitted to having or pursuing missiles with a range of no more than 2,000km.
The council quoted by Middle East Newsline on December 2 describes the range of the Shahab-4 as between 2,000 to 3,000 kilometers—which may well be possible, but a 3,000km range for the Shahab-4 would seem to undercut the claim that a 3,000km range Ghadr missile would constitute a real improvement. (Article, Link)
» Dec. 2: State Dept. imposes sanctions on Chinese and North Korean entities
» Dec. 3: Reuters: two “Ghadr” missiles under development
» Dec. 3: Middle East Newsline: Iran-China satellite accord will aid Iranian missile accuracy
» More stories on: China, Iran, Proliferation
» Missile details: Shahab-3, Shahab-4
Powell: Iran Adapting Missiles to Carry Nuclear Warheads
November 18, 2004 :: Washington Post :: News
Departing Secretary of State Colin Powell recently remarked that Iran is preparing its missile systems to carry nuclear weapons. Despite the attention to the story, however, Powell’s comments do not constitute any new revelation. Nor should they come as any surprise, especially given the aid Iran has been receiving from abroad, and in particular from China and Russia. Unless and until one puts together the pieces to see the larger geopolitical alliances responsible for proliferation, one will continue to be surprised by these numerous and apparently unrelated stories. (More »»»)
» Nov. 18: Interfax: Russia will continue to aid Iran’s nuclear program
» Apr. 27: John Bolton: Russia China proliferating; Iran lying about peaceful character of nuclear program
» Nov. 18: Powell remarks on Iranian nuclear modifications to missiles
» More stories on: China, Iran, Nuclear Weapons, Proliferation
» Missile details: Shahab-3, Shahab-4
Iran Can Mass Produce Shahab
November 9, 2004 :: BBC :: News
Defense Minister Ali Shamkhani today announced that Iran is now capable of mass producing its Shahab-3 ballistic missile. “We are presently able to mass-produce the Shahab-3, just like we do with the Paykan,” the minister said, referring to Iran’s ubiquitous national automobile.
Shamkhani said that Iran had mastered the necessary technology, and that there were no limits on production. Shamkhani denied that Iran would be developing a longer range missile, and that current increases in range (to 2,000km) were for the purpose of being able to fire it from anywhere in Iran. “These are Zionist words and their intention is to suggest Iran is seeking to threaten Europe…We don’t feel any threat from Europe and we don’t see the need to invest in this field.” (More »»»)
» More stories on: Iran
» Missile details: Shahab-3, Shahab-4
Iran Again Tests Shahab-3
October 20, 2004 :: AFP :: News
Defense Minister Ali Shamkhani announced that Iran had today again tested an upgraded version of its Shahab-3 ballistic missile, in the presence of observers. Shamkhani would not comment on the specific range or the location of the test, but Iran has previously claimed that the “strategic” missile has a range of 2,000km; Iran’s IRNA news agency last month quoted former president Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani that Iran possessed that capability. Such a range not only threatens Israel, but also U.S. bases in the region and parts of Europe. Rafsanjani also commented at the time, “Experts know that a country that possesses this [range] can obtain all subsequent stages in missile production.”
On October 7, Nasser Maleki, the deputy director of Iran’s aerospace industry organization, commented that “Very certainly we are going to improve our Shahab-3 and all of our other missiles.”
Iran’s ballistic missile development has been steady, and not without foreign help. The recent upgrades to the Shahab-3 are believed to be due in part to Chinese assistance, including a more accurate guidance system and an improved warhead more suited to carryign chemical weapons. Hours after today’s test, the Moscow News carried a piece boasting that the Iranian Shahab-3, and the North Korean No-Dong from which it was partly derived, both employ Russian missile technology. (Article, Link)
» Iran’s Revolutionary Guard acquiring greater control
» Oct. 20: Moscow News: Russian missile tech used for Iranian, North Korean advances
» More stories on: Iran, North Korea, Proliferation, Russia, Testing - Foreign
» Missile details: Shahab-3, Shahab-4
Iran: Missiles Can Now Hit Europe
October 6, 2004 :: News
Iran is increasing its already much-publicized claims for its Shahab-3 and Shahab-4 missiles, which it continues to test and upgrade. This past week, Iran reported again that the Shahab-4 missile has a range of some 2,000 km, and that parts of Europe are now within range. (Article, Link)
» More stories on: Iran
» Missile details: Shahab-3, Shahab-4
Iran Parades Ballistic Missiles
September 21, 2004 :: News
Iran paraded its Shahab-3 and other missiles today, draped by a number of anti-American slogans and banners. The banner comments included “crush America,” “wipe Israel off the map,” and “We will crush America under our feet.” (Article, Link)
» More stories on: Iran
» Missile details: Shahab-3
Iran Tests “Strategic,” Medium, and Short-Range Missiles
September 20, 2004 :: News
Iran announced that it tested a missile with a “strategic” range on September 19th. The test which was witnessed by the Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, included a version of the Shahab-3 missile capable of carrying a one ton nuclear warhead. The Shahab-3 had been previously tested on August 11. The Israeli Haaretz newspaper has recently stated that the upgraded version of the Shahab-3 had a range of 2,000 kilometers (1,280 miles), much more than the previously estimates of 1,300 to 1,700 kilometers. In addition, unidentified short- and medium-range missiles were also said to have been test launched. (Article, Link)
» More stories on: Iran, Testing - Foreign
» Missile details: Shahab-3
Iran to Use Missile to Launch Satellite by March; Plan Parallels North Korean 1998 Attempt
September 20, 2004 :: News
Iran is reportedly planning to use the improved version of its Shahab-3 missile to launch a small satellite into orbit, according to a defense industry source quoted by Reuters. The missile would reportedly carry a 20 kg experimental satellite to an orbit of 250 km above the earth. “It is just an experimental satellite which will send a simple signal,” the source said of the project, apparently called “Safir-313.” “Safir” is said to mean “emissary.”
Reuters also reports that Iran announced in January that it meant to be the first Islamic country to go into space and added that it was building a launchpad.
The significance of such a space launch would be to demonstrate an intercontinental capability for the Islamic nation—which is also an official state sponsor of terrorism. The speed and altitude necessary to have a missile reach orbit is similar to that of what an ICBM would need to travel from one side of the globe to the other. North Korea’s very similar 1998 attempt to put a small satellite into orbit demonstrated such ICBM capability. (Article, Link)
» Aug. 31: Sixth anniversary of North Korean satellite launch
» More stories on: Iran
» Missile details: Shahab-3
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