Iran tests advanced missile as 'deterrent' against foreign attack

The Jerusalem Post ^ | December 17, 2009 | Yaakov Katz

[myknowledge]

In the face of mounting international pressure to suspend its nuclear activity, Iran flexed its muscles on Wednesday and test-fired its most advanced ballistic missile, capable of hitting Israel and parts of Europe.

The missile tested, according to Iranian reports, was an upgraded version of the Sajjil 2, a sophisticated ballistic missile that has a range of close to 2,000 kilometers, can carry a nuclear warhead and is powered by a solid-fuel propellant which gives it greater accuracy and range. With solid fuel, the missile can be stored in underground silos, making it more difficult to detect before launch.

"This missile can threaten Europe," one Israeli defense official said. "If Israel were their only enemy, why would they need missiles that can reach Europe?"

According to the official, the Super Green Pine Radar, which works in conjunction with Israel's Arrow missile defense system, detected the launch of the Sajjil, as did the US-manned X-Band Radar located in the Negev.

[myknowledge]

Sejjil-2 MRBM (Sejjil = Persian baked clay)

This is Iran's most advanced MRBM in its arsenal, and it would be intentionally used by the Iranians as a first-strike weapon on Israel.

Fortunately, Israel has some ABM ssytems to help counter the Sejjil-2 should one be incoming for an Israeli target.

Arrow 2 ABM

Elta EL/M-2080 Green Pine AESA radar

MIM-104 Patriot

And the United States Army has a part to play in Israel's missile defense:

Raytheon TPY-2 FBX-T (Forward Based X-band Radar - Transportable)

[myknowledge]

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks

The missile tested, according to Iranian reports, was an upgraded version of the Sajjil 2, a sophisticated ballistic missile that has a range of close to 2,000 kilometers, can carry a nuclear warhead and is powered by a solid-fuel propellant which gives it greater accuracy and range.

Thanks myknowledge.

[Enchante]

here’s something that’s virtually never presented by the Mediascum or our wonderful “leaders” when the subject of Iran comes up:

There is no conceivable reason to develop ballistic missiles except to carry “WMD” types of warheads, especially nukes. The only genuine reason Iran has for developing all these ballistic missiles is to have them ready to carry nuclear warheads one of these days.

Only a fool or a liberal (but I repeat myself) could believe that Iran’s ballistic missile programs are unrelated to its nuclear program.

[Pride_of_the_Bluegrass]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYW_lPlekiQ

[tet68]

“If Israel were their only enemy, why would they need missiles that can reach Europe?”

Good question. I believe they plan to launch these
from merchant freighters standing off shore of the
US.

[myknowledge]

The Iranians would have to mody one of their existing freighters or purchase several from China and covertly modify them in a shipyard to carry a dozen nuke-tipped Sejjil-2 MRBMs.

One missile freighter would target cities on the U.S. Atlantic coast, a second on the U.S. Pacific coast, a third near the Gulf of Mexico and a fourth on Alaska and/or Hawaii.

Thanks for your post. It reminds me of the HSK Kormoran, a WWII German merchant raider disguised as a merchant ship.

[SunkenCiv]

Ah, that’s just a coincidence. ;’)

[tet68]

Modifying a couple of freighters is not beyond the
capability of a nation willing to spend enough for
ballistic missiles and nuclear weapons.
Launched from a freighter the flight time would
be shortened.
Even one combined with massive regular explosions around
the country would create tremendous panic and confusion.

The leaders of Iran are insane fanatics, we can only
expect the worst of them and prepare for it.