A successful test by Iran of its Shihab-3 ballistic missile in early May brings the country closer to a capability to launch long-range missiles equipped with conventional and other warheads, as early as 2004, according to the latest Israeli intelligence assessments.
TheShihab-3 has had mixed testing success, with a September 2000 firing failing after the missile's Iranian-built rocket motor failed 100s after launch.
A similar engine problem was encountered during the first test launch in July 1998, although the powerplant for that flight was supplied by North Korea.
A July 2000 firing was successful, with the Shihab reaching 1,300km (700nm) maximum range.
Iran has developed the Shihab-3 with North Korean assistance. The single-stage missile resembles the SS-1 Scud, but is around 40% larger. North Korea's No Dong is also a Scud derivative.
Israel believes that the Shihab-3 missile has a 15,000kg (33,000lb) launch weight and carries a 700kg re-entry vehicle with a 500kg warhead.
A further development, the Shihab-4, is expected to have a 2,000km range, but it has so far not been tested.
Source: Flight International
