Shahab-3 Ballistic Missile

Manufacturer: Iran's Aerospace Industries Organization
Category: Missiles & Precision Weapons
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Guidance System Inertial Navigation System (INS) with possible updates
Maximum Speed Mach 7+
Launch Compatibility Road-mobile launcher (TEL)
Warhead Technology High Explosive or Nuclear-capable

Defense Systems Full Specifications

1. General Information

Name / Designation	Shahab-3
Type / Role	Medium-Range Ballistic Missile (MRBM)
Country of Origin	Iran
Manufacturer	Iran's Aerospace Industries Organization
Service Entry / Year Introduced	Early 2000s
Operational Status	Active

2. Performance & Range

Range	1,000–1,300 km (up to ~1,500 km upgraded)
Speed	Mach 7+
Ceiling / Altitude Limit	Exo-atmospheric ballistic trajectory
Accuracy (CEP)	~100–300 meters
Warhead Type	HE, Fragmentation, Nuclear-capable

3. Guidance & Targeting

Guidance System	Inertial Navigation (INS)
Targeting Mode	Pre-programmed ballistic trajectory
Launch Platform Compatibility	Ground-based TEL
Seeker Type	None (ballistic trajectory-based)

4. Physical Characteristics

Length	~16 m
Diameter	~1.25 m
Wingspan	N/A
Launch Weight	~15,000–17,000 kg
Propulsion	Liquid-fuel rocket

5. Warhead & Payload

Warhead Weight	~700–1,200 kg
Explosive Type	HE, possible nuclear
Detonation Mechanism	Impact or proximity fuse
Payload Options	Conventional / Nuclear

6. Operational Use & Capabilities

Operational Range Type	Medium
Deployment Platform	Ground
Target Types	Military bases, infrastructure, cities
Combat Proven	No confirmed combat use
Users / Operators	Iran

PROS

Long operational range covering key regional targets
High-speed ballistic trajectory reduces interception probability
Capable of carrying conventional or nuclear payloads
Mobile launch platforms enhance survivability
Forms a credible strategic deterrent

CONS

Limited accuracy compared to modern precision-guided systems
Vulnerable to advanced missile defense systems
Based on older missile technology origins
Requires significant logistical support
Political and strategic escalation risks

Shahab-3 Ballistic Missile System

The Shahab-3 is a medium-range ballistic missile (MRBM) developed by Iran, forming a central pillar of its strategic deterrence capability. Designed for long-range strike missions, the missile enables Iran to project power across the Middle East and beyond. It is widely assessed to be based on North Korea’s Nodong missile, with subsequent indigenous modifications improving accuracy, range, and payload flexibility.

Primarily intended for strategic targets such as military installations, infrastructure, and high-value assets, the Shahab-3 plays a key role in Iran’s missile doctrine. Its ability to carry both conventional and potentially nuclear warheads has made it a subject of international scrutiny and defense analysis.

Manufacturer

The Shahab-3 is produced by Iran’s Aerospace Industries Organization (AIO), under the Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics. Development began in the 1990s, with operational deployment reported in the early 2000s. Over time, Iran has introduced upgraded variants, including extended-range and improved guidance versions.

Speed and Range

The Shahab-3 has an estimated range of approximately 1,000 to 1,300 kilometers, allowing it to cover much of the Middle East. Some upgraded variants reportedly extend beyond 1,500 kilometers. The missile travels at speeds exceeding Mach 7 during its terminal phase, classifying it as a high-speed ballistic weapon.

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Its guidance system combines inertial navigation with possible terminal updates, resulting in a circular error probable (CEP) estimated between 100 and 300 meters, depending on the variant.

Cost / Price

Accurate cost data is not publicly disclosed. However, estimates suggest each Shahab-3 missile may cost between $1 million and $3 million, depending on configuration and upgrades. Development and deployment costs are significantly higher due to infrastructure and support systems.

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