How Many Ballistic Missiles Does Iran Have?
Iran has been a subject of concern for many countries, particularly the United States, due to its ballistic missile program. The country has been accused of developing and testing long-range ballistic missiles, which are capable of carrying nuclear warheads. In this article, we will provide an overview of Iran’s ballistic missile program and the number of ballistic missiles the country has.
The Background
Iran’s ballistic missile program began in the 1980s, shortly after the Iran-Iraq War. The country’s military leaders recognized the need for a deterrent force that could counter the threat posed by Iraq’s military capabilities. Since then, Iran has made significant strides in developing its ballistic missile program, which has become a key component of its military strategy.
Types of Ballistic Missiles
Iran has developed a range of ballistic missiles, including:
- Shahab-1: A short-range ballistic missile with a range of approximately 300 kilometers (186 miles).
- Shahab-2: A medium-range ballistic missile with a range of approximately 500 kilometers (310 miles).
- Shahab-3: A medium-range ballistic missile with a range of approximately 1,000 kilometers (621 miles).
- Sejjil: A medium-range ballistic missile with a range of approximately 2,000 kilometers (1,243 miles).
- Khalij-e-Fars (Persian Gulf): A medium-range ballistic missile with a range of approximately 2,000 kilometers (1,243 miles).
- Ghadr-110: A medium-range ballistic missile with a range of approximately 1,000 kilometers (621 miles).
- Zolfaghar: A medium-range ballistic missile with a range of approximately 700 kilometers (435 miles).
Number of Ballistic Missiles
According to various sources, including the United States Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) and the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), Iran has:
- Over 2,000 ballistic missiles: This includes both operational and non-operational missiles.
- Approximately 1,000 operational ballistic missiles: These are missiles that are currently deployed and ready for use.
Table: Iran’s Ballistic Missile Inventory
| Missile Type | Range (km) | Number of Missiles |
|---|---|---|
| Shahab-1 | 300 | 100-200 |
| Shahab-2 | 500 | 100-200 |
| Shahab-3 | 1,000 | 100-200 |
| Sejjil | 2,000 | 100-200 |
| Khalij-e-Fars | 2,000 | 100-200 |
| Ghadr-110 | 1,000 | 100-200 |
| Zolfaghar | 700 | 100-200 |
| Total | 1,000-2,000 |
Conclusion
In conclusion, Iran has a significant number of ballistic missiles, with over 1,000 operational missiles and approximately 2,000 missiles in total. The country’s ballistic missile program is a key component of its military strategy, and is designed to deter potential enemies and protect its national interests. While Iran’s ballistic missile program has been the subject of concern for many countries, it is important to note that the country has a legitimate right to develop and possess ballistic missiles for defensive purposes.
Additional Points
- International agreements: Iran is a signatory to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on Their Destruction (CWC). The country has also agreed to abide by the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which limits its nuclear program.
- Ballistic missile testing: Iran has tested several ballistic missiles in recent years, including the Sejjil and Khalij-e-Fars missiles. These tests have been seen as a demonstration of the country’s military capabilities and a warning to potential enemies.
- Military doctrine: Iran’s military doctrine is based on the concept of "Defensive Realism", which emphasizes the importance of deterrence and the use of force in defense of the country’s national interests.
