Iran ramps up missile production, aids Russia and Hezbollah

Iran, which has long been supplying Russia with weapons used in Ukraine, has increased its production of ballistic missiles. According to American sources, this decision aims to arm further not only Russia but also Hezbollah and Yemeni Houthis. We explain what kinds of weapons are involved.

In the context of ballistic weaponry and Iran, we should primarily mention the most dangerous systems produced in the country, such as the Fateh-110 and Zolfaghar missile families, as well as the most advanced Shahab-3 and Emad. These missiles can be launched from mobile launchers, making them harder to destroy due to their mobility.

The range of Iranian ballistic missiles is significant. The Fateh-110 can reach about 186 miles, while the Zolfaghar can hit targets up to 435 miles away. The range of the Shahab-3 and Emad is even more remarkable, exceeding 932 miles.

The United States and Israel have previously expressed concern about this type of Iranian arsenal, focusing primarily on the Emad ballistic missiles. It was estimated that their range is up to 1,087 miles, and the warhead they can carry weighs up to 1,653 pounds. Notably, the warhead is designed to have different types of payloads. Americans suggested that it could include nuclear and chemical weapons, as well as a load generating an intense electromagnetic pulse.

As reported by Reuters, citing two American researchers who analyzed satellite images, as well as three anonymous Iranian officials, Tehran's missile arsenal is already the largest in the Middle East. It is estimated to consist of 3,000 different types of missiles.

Particular attention was drawn to satellite images of two complexes near the Iranian capital. Based on these images, it was estimated that more than 30 new buildings were erected there within a year. Large earth berms surround some of them. Jeffrey Lewis from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies notes that this was done to prevent a possible explosion in one building from causing a detonation in neighboring facilities. This is a standard protective procedure where many flammable materials are stored.

There are justified concerns that additional ballistic missiles will be used to arm Iran's allies, including Russia, which has been utilizing various types of this arsenal in Ukraine for a long time. There is already evidence that Iranian ballistic missiles are also being used on the frontlines. The Russians have already received at least several hundred Fateh-110 and Zolfaghar ballistic missiles.