Press Release
11 April 2008
Iran Develops Long Range Missile Technology
Contact:
Mandy Castle
Public Relations Manager
Jane's Information Group
+44 (0) 208 700 3745
amanda.castle@janes.com
LONDON (11 April 2008) -- Exclusive satellite imagery has allowed Jane's to identify the site of the most recent Iranian missile launch. The imagery obtained from Digital Globe's QuickBird satellite on 8 February 2008, together with footage of the launch, shows that the missile was no further advanced than the Iranian Shahab-3, but that the site is a possible location for the Iranian continued long-range missile programme.
- The Iranian Kavoshgar 1 missile launch on 4 February was a successful test, but the technology was no more advanced than the Iranian intermediate-range Shahab 3 missile. However, the launch has revealed a previously unknown facility in Iran's missile programme.
- Jane's can reveal the location of the launch site and the existence of associated facilities indicating this could be where Iran is pursuing a solid-propellant missile capability.
- Iran also announced it is developing a Space Centre, which would require identical technology to a long-range ballistic missile capability.
On 4 February 2008, Iran displayed its ability to launch its Kavoshgar 1 (Explorer 1) research rocket. Iranian statements claim that this recent launch was of a two-stage missile which would indicate a significant enhancement in Iran's capabilities. However, closer inspection of the footage from the launch shows it to be a single-stage, liquid-propelled missile.
Further to this, Iran has also announced it is developing a space centre, which would require identical technology to a long range ballistic missile capability. Historically space programmes have been used to acquire expertise in long-range missile technology.
Analysis by Jane's has identified several developments at this site since the most recent open source imagery was taken in September 2004. Jane's has identified facilities at this site similar in size and form to the Taepodong assembly facility in North Korea. Measurement and Signatures Intelligence by Jane's shows features of the site are also similar to North Korean facility features that indicate this facility is the location of missile assembly.
Jane's Proliferation Editor Avital Johanan commented: "This analysis suggests that Tehran is following the same path in its missile programme as North Korea and identifies a previously unidentified location as an important element in it. Bringing together Jane's analysis with exclusive satellite imagery provides a unique capability to offer near-real time intelligence."
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Editor's notes:
To speak to Avital Johanan, Editor for Jane's Proliferation or for a full copy of the article please contact Mandy Castle, PR Manager, Jane's Information Group (contact details at top of page).
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