Iran’s arsenal unmasked: A close look at the missiles built to strike Israel

The combination of long range, improved accuracy, and evasion capabilities from interception systems makes these missiles a significant threat.

By Avi Nachmani, JFeed

Iran has a huge and diverse arsenal of ballistic ground-to-ground missiles designed for various ranges – short, medium, and long. The exact number of missiles in the Iranian arsenal is unknown, and the data circulated in the media is far from reality.

Over the years, the Iranians have realized that they need to develop a comprehensive missile system that covers all the required ranges – from nearby enemies in the Gulf states to more distant targets, most notably Israel.

Iran has been focusing on launching three main types of missiles toward Israel:

Emad Missile – The Emad missile is considered one of the most advanced ballistic missiles in the Iranian arsenal. It entered operational service in 2016 and is operated by the missile unit of the Air Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

The innovative capability: The main innovation of this missile is the maneuverability of the warhead after entering the atmosphere. This is known as MARV (Maneuverable Reentry Vehicle) – a maneuverable reentry vehicle.

Advantages of the technology: Evasion from interception systems; through unpredictable trajectory changes, the missile complicates the defense systems’ ability to calculate an accurate interception path.

Improved accuracy: Active guidance systems in the final stages allow for hitting small or moving targets.

Technical data:

Range: 1,700-2,500 km (allows reaching Israel and parts of Europe)

Accuracy: Iran claims an accuracy of 50 meters; Western experts estimate 500 meters or more.

Warhead: 750 kg, with the capability to carry unconventional warheads.

Qader Missile – The Qader missile is a medium-range ballistic missile manufactured by Iranian defense industries. It is an enhanced version of the known Shahab-3 missile, with more advanced capabilities.

Technical Features:

Structure: Two-stage missile (first stage liquid fuel, second stage solid fuel)- Weight: 19 tons; Length: 15.86 meters- Diameter: 1.25 meters;

Different Versions:- Kedar S: Range 1,350 km; Kedar H: Range 1,650 km; Kedar F: Range 1,950-2,000 km

The missile is equipped with an inertial navigation system, and in advanced versions, it also has a GPS system for increased accuracy.

Khaybar Shekan Missile – the new technology: A ballistic missile revealed for the first time in February 2022, representing a leap in Iranian technology.

Advantages of solid fuel: The missile is entirely powered by solid fuel, which gives it significant advantages:

Fast launch: Shorter preparation time for launch; High mobility: Less dependence on fixed infrastructures; Difficult to detect: Smaller time window for identifying and attacking the launcher

Advanced capabilities:- Range: 1,450 km; Maneuverability: Ability to maneuver during atmospheric entry; Lightweight: Significantly lighter than liquid fuel missiles, improving maneuverability and accuracy;

Countering air defense: The missile is specifically designed to penetrate modern air defense systems due to its speed, maneuverability, and relatively low flight path.

The Strategic Significance: The development of these missiles reflects the Iranian effort to create a reliable deterrent capability against Israel and its allies. The combination of long range, improved accuracy, and evasion capabilities from interception systems makes these missiles a significant threat.

Iranians continue to develop and enhance these technologies, with an emphasis on capabilities that will enable them to overcome Israel’s advanced defense systems.