Iranian Missiles

Iran maintains what is arguably the largest ballistic missile arsenal in the Middle East, estimated at 2,000–3,000 missiles, spanning short-range (SRBM), medium-range (MRBM), and more advanced systems. Its SRBMs include solid-fuel Fateh-110, Fateh-313, Zolfaghar, and Hormuz-series, capable of striking regional targets such as Israel and U.S. bases. MRBMs include liquid-fueled Shahab-3, Ghadr, Khorramshahr, and solid-fuel Sejjil. Additionally, Iran has unveiled hypersonic medium-range systems, like Fattah-1/2 (reaching Mach 13–15) and the Qassem Bassir, though their actual hypersonic and maneuvering capabilities remain hotly disputed.

Iran has expanded underground missile production hubs to shield its capabilities from airstrikes. With substantial Chinese-supplied propellant ingredients like ammonium perchlorate, Iran has the capacity to produce hundreds more solid-fuel missiles-underscoring a resilient industrial base.

Missiles serve as Iran’s primary tool of deterrence and regional power projection. With a weaker air force relying on vintage platforms, Iran leverages missile systems to threaten Israel, Gulf states, and U.S. assets. Through both MRBMs and SRBMs, often channeled through proxies like Hezbollah or Houthi forces, Iran seeks to impose strategic costs and signal resolve. The hypersonic missiles enhance deterrence with their promise of high speed and precision, though their real capabilities remain uncertain.