Iran and Syria have test fired indigenous developments of the Soviet SS-1 Scud ballistic missile with mixed results. Iran's test was the first using an indigenous rocket motor.
Both countries have received North Korean assistance to develop the weapons. North Korea's No Dong ballistic missile is also a Scud derivative.
According to Western sources, the Shihab-3 test was the first time Iran has used an indigenous engine. The motor failed 100s after launch during the 21 September test. The first test of the rocket in July 1998 also failed because of engine problems, but during a test earlier this year a Shihab-3 reached its maximum 1,300km (700nm) range.
The single-stage Shihab-3 resembles the Scud but is 40% bigger and it can carry a 1,000kg (2,200lb) warhead.
Two-days later Syria launched its Scud-D from the north-east of the country. It has an 800km range and can carry a 700kg warhead.
Israeli defence forces chief of staff Lt Gen Shaul Mofaz says that the Elta Green Pine radar, which is part of the Israel Aircraft Industries Arrow anti-ballistic missile system, detected the Scud-D launch.
Meanwhile the London Sunday Telegraph has reported that Libya has received its first No Dongs from North Korea.
Source: Flight International