An Iranian test launch of a Shihab-3 intercontinental ballistic missile on 17 January ended in failure, but Western sources say Tehran is nevertheless advancing towards gaining an operational capability to strike targets in mainland Europe, writes Arie Egozi.
The sources did not specify the nature of the failure, but say Iran is constantly striving to improve the capabilities of its Shihab-3.
The weapon’s basic range is 1,300km (700nm), but reducing its re-entry vehicle and warhead weight from 750kg (1,650lb) to 400kg could increase this to around 2,000km; sufficient to place it within range of countries like Greece. The single-stage Shihab-3 is 17m (55ft) long and has a 15t launch weight.
The weapon’s development is prompting several countries to study the acquisition of advanced anti-tactical ballistic missile systems, such as the Israeli Arrow battery.
Turkey has shown recent interest in the Israel Aircraft Industries design and Israeli sources believe this could force Washington to change its policy on the export of the system. Israel needs US approval to export the design, which has been developed using massive assistance from Washington.
Boeing, which manufactures Arrow missile subsystems, has begun an unofficial check of the US administration’s stand on its export.
“We have US partners in the production of the Arrow. We think that they are the ones that should get answers from the [US] administration,” says an Israeli defence official.
Ankara will also evaluate the US-produced Patriot PAC-3 and Russian-made S-300 air defence systems, but Turkish sources have repeatedly indicated their preference for the Arrow system.
Source: Flight International