Sunday, September 27, 2009

Iran missiles

Iran has not yet deployed missiles that can reach Europe, but in the Pentagon's view, it is headed toward that capacity. Earlier this year, it did carry out a successful test of a two-stage missile using solid fuel called the Sejil-2. That has a range of about 1,200 miles, which could reach parts of Europe from Iran.

Iran does not currently have missiles capable of hitting Western Europe.

From BBC, which gives a map of missile reaches:

A recent study conducted by missile experts from the United States, Europe and Russia for the International Institute for Strategic Studies concluded that Iran does have the technical and industrial capacity to develop a new missile capable of reaching Western Europe.

The Safir has limited military utility and could not be converted into a viable military, ballistic missile. The Sajjil modestly increases Iran's strategic reach, from about 1,500km for the Shahab-3 to about 2,000km for a one-ton payload.

But the Sajjil is several years from reaching operational status. Additional flight testing will be needed to validate the missile's performance parameters and reliability.

There are no indications to date that Tehran intends to develop intermediate-range missiles, those capable of hitting targets in Western Europe.


Nor is there any evidence that Iranian missile engineers are developing a larger diameter solid propellant motor capable of lifting larger payloads to distances beyond 3,000km.

The absence of such activities does not mean that Iran will not pursue longer range missiles in the future, but it indicates that Iran is many years away from establishing an ability to threaten Germany, France or the United Kingdom.

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