Defence

Iran's Shihab-3 to enter service

Iran has moved closer to deploying the Shihab-3 long-range ballistic missile, say Israeli and US intelligence sources, following the latest successful launch late last month.

The missile was launched into an east-west trajectory and the experts say the missile's range was "over 1,000km [540nm]". The missile's maximum range is believed to be 1,300km, allowing it to reach Israel. Shihab-3 - which resembles a Scud but is 40% larger - has been developed with North Korean assistance and has a 500kg (1,100lb) warhead.