Iran's ballistic missile program is the largest in the Middle East, featuring a diverse range of short-range and medium-range ballistic missiles (MRBMs). The program plays a key role in Iran's military strategy, serving as a deterrent against adversaries, supporting regional proxies, and bolstering national defense capabilities. Additionally, concerns over the program's potential connection to Iran's nuclear ambitions have led to international scrutiny and sanctions.
Iran's missile program originated during and after the 1980–88 Iran–Iraq War as a means to deter IraqiScud attacks and compensate for its lack of modern air power.[1] In 1984 Iran obtained its first ballistic missiles (20 Soviet "Scud-B" SRBMs) from Libya[2] and subsequently procured Scud derivatives and launchers from North Korea and China. By the 1990s Iran had reverse-engineered Scud technology to produce the Shahab-1 (a range of 330 km) and Shahab-2 (a range of 500 km) missiles, as well as Zelzal and Fateh short-range rockets. In the 2000s Iran introduced longer-range systems (e.g. the liquid-fueled Shahab-3 MRBM) and began testing two-stagesolid-fueled designs (e.g. the Sejjil-2 MRBM). Key milestones include the public debut of Shahab-3 in 1998 (a range of ∼1,300 km range) and the solid-fuel Sajjil in 2008. By 2010 Iran was unveiling newer variants (e.g. Qiam-1 in 2010, Zolfaghar in 2016) and integrating missile tests with its growing space launch program. Throughout this period the program's drivers included deterrence of Israel and Gulf states, asymmetrical warfare doctrine, and prestige, as summed up by experts: "Iran's ballistic missile programme… is an important element of military doctrine, a means of deterrence, and a tool of statecraft".[2][3]
Types of ballistic missiles and their cost
Iran's ballistic missile arsenal is estimated to include over 3,000 missiles. This large inventory comprises a diverse array of short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs) and medium-range ballistic missiles (MRBMs).[4][5][6]
Short-Range Ballistic Missiles (SRBMs) (300–1,000 km range)
Khorramshahr – A liquid-fueled MRBM capable of carrying multiple warheads, with a range of 2,000 km.[9]
Emad – An improved Shahab-3 variant with enhanced precision and a range of 2,000 km.[10]
The following table summarizes the information on the types of missiles, their range, unit cost and Annual upkeep cost:[11]
Missile
Type
Range (km)
Unit cost (USD)
Annual upkeep / maintenance (USD)
Notes
Fateh-110
SRBM
~300
$110,000 – $2.1 million
~$20,000 – $100,000
Cost varies by guidance system and version (e.g. Fateh-313 higher)
Zolfaghar
SRBM
~700
~$150,000
~$40,000
Export version used by regional proxies
Qiam-1
SRBM
~700
~$3.5 million
~$120,000
Liquid-fueled; requires more logistical maintenance
Shahab-3
MRBM
~1,300
~$3 million
~$150,000 – $250,000
Based on North Korean Nodong; extensive IRGC deployment
Ghadr-110
MRBM
~1,800
~$5 million
~$250,000
More accurate version of Shahab-3
Sejjil-2
MRBM
~2,000
~$6 million
~$200,000 – $300,000
Solid-fueled; higher storage and propellant upkeep costs
Khorramshahr
MRBM
~2,000
~$8 million
~$300,000 – $400,000
Large payload; possibly designed with nuclear delivery in mind
Stock of ballistic missiles
Iran was assumed to possess ~3,000+ missiles total (all ranges)[12] prior to the Iran–Israel war. Iran manufactured hundreds of SRBMs (e.g. Fateh-110/M-600) for Hezbollah.[13] Yemen’s Houthis possess dozens of ballistic missiles capable of targeting Saudi Arabia or Israel.[14] Iran-backed Iraqi militias have received "a couple of dozen" short-range ballistic missiles.[15]
Iran employs mobile transporter-erector-launchers (TELs) (e.g. multi-axle trucks) for most missiles, allowing dispersion. Aerial photos show Iranian TELs carrying Zelzal, Qiam and Sejjil missiles on 6x6, 8x8, or 10x10 chassis. Iran also maintains hardened facilities (often underground) for missile assembly and storage. Notably, satellite imagery reveals vast new complexes at Khojir and Modarres near Tehran – expanded missile production and storage sites with numerous protective berms and bunkers.[12][16][17]
Ballistic missile bases
Iran has numerous ballistic missile bases spread across the country, with many located underground for strategic purposes. Here are some of the identified missile bases and their locations:
Khorramabad Underground Missile Base: Located in Lorestan province, this base is known to have the most missile silos in the country.[18]
Kenesht Canyon Underground Base: Situated in Kermanshah province.[19]
Panj Pelleh Underground Base: Also located in Kermanshah province.[19]
Bakhtaran Missile Base: Located in western Iran, this base is strategically positioned for potential launches against targets in Israel, the Gulf States, and Europe.[20]
Haji Abad Missile Base: A suspected new hardened launch site near Haji Abad, though its exact location is not disclosed.[21]
Undisclosed Gulf Location: On January 18, 2025, the IRGC navy unveiled an underground naval missile base at an undisclosed location in the Gulf region34.[22][23]
Southern Iran Coastal Areas: On February 2, 2025, the IRGC navy unveiled another underground missile base in the coastal areas of southern Iran.[23]
It's important to note that Iran has created missile bases in all provinces and cities throughout the country, with many situated at depths of 500 meters underground.[24][25] The exact locations of many of these bases remain classified for security reasons. Iran continues to expand its missile production capabilities, with recent unveilings of underground "missile cities" showcasing its growing arsenal.[25]
Strategic objectives
Iran's missile program aims to offset its adversaries' military superiority, particularly given Western sanctions that have hampered its ability to maintain and upgrade its air force.[26] The country has adopted a 'deterrence by punishment' approach to ward off potential threats from countries like Saudi Arabia, Israel, and the United States.[26]
International concerns and restrictions
The international community has expressed concerns about Iran's missile program, particularly its potential connection to Iran's nuclear ambitions.[27]UNSecurity Council Resolution 2231 previously forbade Iran from activities involving "missiles designed to be nuclear capable," but these restrictions expired in October 2023.[28]
Recent developments
As of February 2025, Iran appears to be rearming its missile program. A ship carrying 1,000 tons of sodium perchlorate, a chemical crucial for solid propellant production in missiles, has recently arrived at the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas.[29] This shipment could potentially facilitate the production of propellant for approximately 260 Kheibar Shekan missiles or around 200 Martyr Hajj Qassem Soleimani ballistic missiles.[29]
Key entities and procurement
Iran's ballistic missile program is primarily led by two entities: the Aerospace Industries Organization (AIO) and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). These organizations oversee several subordinate missile entities and front companies that procure foreign goods for Iran's ballistic missile programs. The Self Sufficiency Jihad Organization (SSJO) is tasked with advancing the country's ballistic missile capabilities.[29]
Iran continues to rely on foreign suppliers for key ingredients, components, and equipment for its missile program.[30] The recent shipment of sodium perchlorate from China highlights this ongoing dependence on international sources for critical materials.[29]
Missiles capability and nuclear potential
The Shahab-3, based on North Korean technology, is considered one of Iran's most sophisticated deployed ballistic missiles. With a range of about 1,300 kilometers, it could potentially carry a nuclear warhead.[31] The Ghadr-1, a Shahab-3 variant, extends this range to almost 2,000 kilometers2. According to a 2019 study, the original Shahab-3 is one of the missiles clearly "designed to be nuclear capable".[30]
The Khorramshahr, Iran's most advanced liquid-fuel ballistic missile, is also considered to be designed for potential nuclear capability. Its wider conical nose (1.5 meters in diameter) could theoretically accommodate a nuclear device if Iran were to develop one.[32]
Iran's medium-range ballistic missiles, such as the Sejjil and Emad, with ranges between 1,500-2,500 kilometers, could potentially be adapted to carry nuclear warheads.[32] These missiles cover all of the Middle East and parts of Europe, making them a significant concern for regional and international security.[32]
While the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action was designed to block Iran's pathways to nuclear weapons, concerns remain about the potential dual-use nature of Iran's missile technology.[31]
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