Shahab-3
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The Shahab-3 is a medium-range ballistic missile (MRBM) developed indigenously by Iran. With a range of 1300km, it can reach Israel, which has prompted concern in that nation. The missile, based on the Nodong-1, was tested from 1998-2003. It was added to the military arsenal on July 7, 2003, with an official unveiling by Ayatollah Khamenei on July 20.
The forerunners to this missile include the Shahab-1 and Shahab-2. Iranian Defense Minister Admiral Shamkhani has denied allegations that Iran plans to develop a Shahab-4.
The Shahab-3 was first seen in public on September 25, 1998 in Azadi Square, Tehran in a parade held to commemorate the Iranian Sacred Defence Week, anniversary of the beginning of the 1980-1988 Iran-Iraq war.
On November 9, 2004, Shamkhani claimed that Iran had the capability of mass-producing the missile.
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References
- Russia and the Development of the Iranian Missile Program (http://www.axisglobe.com/default.aspx?article=150)
- Centre for Defense and International Security Studies, Current Missile News (http://www.cdiss.org/98oct1.htm)