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New Developments in Iran's Missile Capabilities: Implications Beyond the Middle East
Jerusalem center for Public Affairs ^ | August 25, 2009 | Uzi Rubin

Posted on 08/26/2009 10:03:29 PM PDT by jerusalemjudy

* Iran is vigorously pursuing several missile and space programs at a feverish pace with impressive achievements. The Iranians have upgraded their ballistic missiles to become satellite launchers. To orbit a satellite is a highly sophisticated endeavor. It requires proficiency in stage separation and advanced guidance and control systems to insert the satellite into a stable, desired trajectory. They took the Shahab, extended it a bit, added a new lightweight second stage, and now they have the Safir space launch vehicle. The very capability to build a two-stage satellite launcher, rather than the usual three-stage rockets for space-lift vehicles, is quite remarkable by itself.

* In spite of the Missile Technology Control Regime and in the face of sanctions, Iran has succeeded in acquiring the needed infrastructure and to raise a cadre of proficient scientists and engineers backed by academic research institutes.

* The solid-propellant Sejil missile signifies a technological and strategic breakthrough & already poses a threat to a number of European Union countries. Based on its demonstrated achievements in solid propulsion and staging, Iran will face no significant hurdle in upscaling the Sejil into a compact, survivable intermediate-range ballistic missile. A range of 3,600 km. will be sufficient to put most of the EU under threat.

* Contrary to a recent report by U.S. and Russian scientists, the solid-propellant technology demonstrated by the Sejil gives the Iranians a key for longer-range missiles that could be deployed in a survivable manner from Western Iran. The report claims that it will take the Iranians just six years to develop a nuclear warhead that could be carried by a ballistic missile. By that time the Iranians might already have the appropriate missiles to carry such warheads. The West would do well to start preparing its defenses right now.

(Excerpt) Read more at jcpa.org ...


TOPICS: Foreign Affairs; Israel; War on Terror
KEYWORDS: iran; israel; missiledefense

1 posted on 08/26/2009 10:03:29 PM PDT by jerusalemjudy
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To: jerusalemjudy

Bomb bomb bomb... bomb bomb Iran


2 posted on 08/26/2009 10:24:54 PM PDT by Plane_Guy
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To: jerusalemjudy

Shouldn’t be long before the reentry vehicle is announced.


3 posted on 08/26/2009 11:06:49 PM PDT by Trod Upon (Obama: Making the Carter malaise look good. Misery Index in 3...2...1)
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To: jerusalemjudy

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2325344/posts


4 posted on 08/27/2009 1:23:36 AM PDT by ErnstStavroBlofeld ("We will either find a way, or make one."Hannibal/Carthaginian Military Commander)
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To: jerusalemjudy

5 posted on 08/27/2009 8:01:31 AM PDT by G8 Diplomat (To err is human, to think is Vulcan)
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To: jerusalemjudy

Time to call Turbanex..


6 posted on 08/27/2009 1:04:09 PM PDT by sheik yerbouty ( Make America and the world a jihad free zone!)
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