Non-Subscriber Extract
Iran accelerates missile production in preparation for possible conflict
By Alon Ben-David
11 December 2008
Iran more than tripled its arsenal of Shahab-3 intermediate-range ballistic missiles (IRBMs) in 2008, Western intelligence sources have said, in a sign that the country is preparing for a prolonged conflict.
"At the beginning of 2008 [Iran] had about 30 operational missiles compared with more than 100 missiles today," an intelligence source told Jane's.
The Shahab-3 has a reported range of 2,000 km, but is believed to have an operational range of 1,800 km.
Israel would be the likely target for any offensive action from Iran, an Israeli defence source said.