How many ballistic missiles does Iran have?

How Many Ballistic Missiles Does Iran Have?

The question of the number of ballistic missiles in Iran’s arsenal has been a topic of interest and concern for many years. With ongoing tensions in the Middle East and the possibility of a conflict between Iran and other countries, understanding the scope of Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities is crucial. In this article, we will delve into the numbers and provide an in-depth analysis of Iran’s ballistic missile arsenal.

The Short Answer: 2,000-3,000 Ballistic Missiles

According to various estimates, Iran has a ballistic missile arsenal of approximately 2,000-3,000 missiles. This number includes both liquid-fueled and solid-fueled missiles, as well as short-range, medium-range, and long-range systems.

Types of Ballistic Missiles in Iran’s Arsenal

Iran’s ballistic missile arsenal consists of several types, including:

• Fateh-110: A liquid-fueled, medium-range missile with a range of approximately 300 kilometers (186 miles).
• Fateh-313: A solid-fueled, medium-range missile with a range of approximately 300 kilometers (186 miles).
• Zelzal-3: A solid-fueled, medium-range missile with a range of approximately 500 kilometers (310 miles).
• Shahab-1: A liquid-fueled, short-range missile with a range of approximately 250 kilometers (155 miles).
• Shahab-2: A liquid-fueled, medium-range missile with a range of approximately 500 kilometers (310 miles).
• Shahab-3: A liquid-fueled, long-range missile with a range of approximately 1,000 kilometers (620 miles).

Ballistic Missile Subsystems

Iran’s ballistic missiles are made up of several subsystems, including:

• Guidance Systems: Many of Iran’s ballistic missiles use a combination of inertial guidance and terrain contour matching to ensure accurate targeting.
• Warheads: Iran’s ballistic missiles can be equipped with high-explosive warheads, which can cause significant damage upon impact.
• Range and Accuracy: Iran’s ballistic missiles have a range of up to 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) and can hit targets with an accuracy of up to 100 meters (330 feet).

Ballistic Missile Capabilities

Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities include:

• Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs): Iran does not have ICBMs that can reach the United States or other distant targets. However, some of its long-range missiles, such as the Shahab-3, have the capability to reach Israel and other targets in the Middle East.
• Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missiles (SLBMs): Iran does not have SLBMs, but it is believed to be developing this capability.
• Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicles (MIRVs): Iran has not publicly demonstrated MIRV capabilities, but it is believed to be developing this technology.

Iran’s Ballistic Missile Programs

Iran has several ballistic missile programs, including:

• Fateh Program: This program aims to develop a new generation of ballistic missiles with improved range, accuracy, and capability.
• Sejjil Program: This program aims to develop a new type of ballistic missile with a range of over 2,000 kilometers (1,243 miles).
• Emad Program: This program aims to develop a new type of ballistic missile with a range of over 1,000 kilometers (620 miles).

Conclusion

Iran has a significant ballistic missile arsenal, with an estimated 2,000-3,000 missiles in its inventory. The country’s ballistic missiles are designed to provide a deterrent against potential enemies and to support its regional ambitions. While Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities are impressive, they are still inferior to those of the United States and other major powers. However, the development of new ballistic missile technologies and the expansion of Iran’s ballistic missile range and accuracy pose a significant challenge to regional stability and security.

Table: Iran’s Ballistic Missile Inventory

Bibliography

• "Iran’s Ballistic Missile Capabilities: A Review of the Facts" by the Federation of American Scientists
• "Iran’s Missile Programs" by the Council on Foreign Relations
• "Iran’s Ballistic Missiles: A Threat to Regional Security" by the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs