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Updated August 2007
Missile Chronology
1989
This annotated chronology is based on the data sources that follow each entry. Public sources often provide conflicting information on classified military programs. In some cases we are unable to resolve these discrepancies, in others we have deliberately refrained from doing so to highlight the potential influence of false or misleading information as it appeared over time. In many cases, we are unable to independently verify claims. Hence in reviewing this chronology, readers should take into account the credibility of the sources employed here.
Inclusion in this chronology does not necessarily indicate that a particular development is of direct or indirect proliferation significance. Some entries provide international or domestic context for technological development and national policymaking. Moreover, some entries may refer to developments with positive consequences for nonproliferation.
1989
Terence Todman becomes US ambassador to Argentina.
— US State Department, "Chiefs of Mission," <http://www.state.gov/www/about_state/history/chief.html>.
1989
The German firm Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm (MBB) admits to BBC Panorama that it was involved in the Cóndor project, but says it withdrew in 1985 after determining that the program was oriented toward military purposes. German Minister of State Erich Riedl supports this claim, saying "nothing illegal has taken place." However, according to a company source, an MBB subsidiary, Transtechnica, continued work on warhead development. MBB also admits that it carried out a feasibility study for the Cóndor II as late as 1987. It also acknowledges that it continued to supply parts for Sa'ad 16, near Mosul in Iraq, and was due to begin working there in the summer of 1989. Adolf Hammer, former MBB head of military research, continues to work in Argentina after the company's withdrawal, and now directs Switzerland's Institute for Advanced Technology's (IFAT) in Salzburg.
— "The Cóndor Conspiracy," BBC Panorama, 10 April 1989.
1989
The DOT missile production complex near Baghdad undergoes its first operational test.
— "Further Transfers Of Military Technology Reported," Profil (Vienna), 8 May 1989, pp. 29-31; cited in Nuclear Developments, 23 May 1989, pp. 39-42.
17 January 1989
Wilhelm Vullride is appointed director of Consen.
— "Profil Views Involvement In Iraq Arms Plant," Profil (Vienna), 24 April 1989, pp. 38-42; cited in Nuclear Developments, 5 May 1989, pp. 34-36.
25 January 1989
US Senator Jeff Bingaman (Democrat, New Mexico) sends a letter to Secretary of State James Baker expressing concerns about an export license that the US firm LTV has requested to export rocket technology to SNIA-BPD. Bingaman believes that no license should be granted because of SNIA's involevement with the Cóndor II project. Baker replies that Bingaman's concerns will be taken into account when a final decision is made.
— Jeff Bingaman, Letter to James A. Baker, 25 January 1989, declassified and released, available through the Digital National Security Archive, <http://nsarchive.chadwyck.com>; James A. Baker, Draft reply to Senator Jeff Bingaman, [date unclear], declassified and released, available through the Digital National Security Archive, <http://nsarchive.chadwyck.com>.
3 March 1989
Página 12 reports that the Cóndor missile is scheduled for testing in Patagonia over a 504km range.
—"Argentine Newspaper Says Condor Project with Egypt Cancelled for Sake of Israeli Deal," Noticias Argentinas, 4 April 1989; in BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 6 April 1989, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.
Phase III: Deciding to Terminate the Cóndor, April 1989-March 1991
April 1989
The Brazilian newspaper O Estado De São Paulo subsequently reports that the Argentine Air Force successfully tests the Cóndor II at Falda del Carmen at this time. However, Busso later quotes an unidentified high-ranking Air Force official, who insists that the Cóndor II was never test flown.
—"Iraqi Bribes in Cóndor II Missile Project Viewed," O Estado De São Paulo, 7 March 1991; cited in Nuclear Developments, 28 March 1991, p. 11; Anabella Busso, Relaciones Argentina-Estados Unidos en los noventa: el caso Cóndor II (Buenos Aires: Edición CERIR, 1999), p. 39; "Suborno iraquiano acelerou projeto de míssil argentino," O Estado De São Paulo, 7 March 1991, p. 11.
10 April 1989
In a BBC documentary entitled "The Cóndor Conspiracy," the Deputy Chief of General Staff of the Israeli Defense Forces, Major General Ehud Barak, charges that the German firm Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm (MBB) is "responsible for the overall planning of the [Cóndor] project and for the systems in it." West German Customs officials had raided MBB offices just days earlier. In response, West German Defense Minister Rupert Scholz tells Israeli Foreign Minister Moshe Arens that although his government currently "lacks sufficient information," it will conduct a through investigation of MBB's alleged involvement. An unidentified source in the West German Foreign Ministry says that some officials in Bonn must already know about MBB's connection with the Cóndor, as the leading firm has very close ties with the government. MBB issues a statement admitting the company carried out a feasibility study for the Cóndor II as late as 1987. Sources inside MBB also admit they are still supplying parts for a missile research laboratory in Iraq (Saad 16). The documentary concludes with the prediction, "Thanks to European engineers, the Cóndor-2 prototype will fly in the next year. Then it will be for sale, and the West cannot control who will buy it."
—David Horovitz, "Bonn Helping Arabs Develop Nuclear Missile," Jerusalem Post, 11 April 1989, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>; Menachem Shalev, "Bonn Doesn't Know 'Enough' about Cóndor Missile," Jerusalem Post, 12 April 1989, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>; "The Cóndor Conspiracy," BBC Panorama, 10 April 1989.
April 1989
West German Minister of Defense Rupert Scholz complies with the request of Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Arens to investigate the participation of German firms in the Cóndor II project. William Waldgrave, British Vice Minister of the Foreign Office, expresses concern on a special BBC report that the Argentines could use the Cóndor to target the Malvinas. US Vice President Dan Quayle states in an interview that the United States pressured Bonn to curtail German commercial activities in the Cóndor project.
—Anabella Busso, Relaciones Argentina-Estados Unidos en los noventa: el caso Cóndor II (Buenos Aires: Edición CERIR, 1999), p. 24.
14 April 1989
Speaking in San Rafael de Mendoza, President-elect Carlos Menem makes statements in favor of continuing with the Cóndor, describing it as a peaceful project.
—Daniel Santoro, Operación Cóndor II: la historia secreta del misil que desmanteló Menem (Buenos Aires: Ediciones Letra Buena, 1992), p. 57; Rogelio Garcia Lupo, Newton Carlos, and Juan Jorge Faundes, El Arsenal Sudamericano de Saddam Hussein, (Buenos Aires: Grupo Editorial Zeta S.A., 1991), p. 100.
15 April 1989
President Mubarak of Egypt removes his Minister of Defense Ghazala.
—Eduardo Barcelona and Julio Villalonga, Relaciones carnales: la verdadera historia de la construcción y destrucción del misil Cóndor II (Buenos Aires: Planeta, 1992), pp. 89, 190.
May 1989
Hyperinflation and economic contraction provoke food riots in Argentine cities, a traumatic national experience for a country accustomed to agricultural abundance and worldwide recognition as a leading agro-exporter. Contemporaneous electoral defeat by Peronist candidate Carlos Saul Menem leads President Alfonsín to announce that he will resign from office six months before his term is to expire.
—Thomas E. Skidmore and Peter H. Smith, Modern Latin America, 3rd ed., (New York and Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1992), p. 109.
11 June 1989
At a party given by the Argentine Air Force, US Ambassador to Argentina Terence Todman attempts to discuss the Cóndor project with Commander in Chief of the Argentine Air Force Ernesto Crespo. Crespo tells Todman that he will only discuss the matter with Larry Welsh, head of the US Air Force, or Todman's superiors at the US State Department.
—Eduardo Barcelona and Julio Villalonga, Relaciones carnales: la verdadera historia de la construcción y destrucción del misil Cóndor II (Buenos Aires: Planeta, 1992), pp. 15-16.
30 June 1989
Consen files for bankruptcy in Switzerland.
—Kenneth Timmerman, The Death Lobby: How the West Armed Iraq (New York: Houghton Mifflin, 1991), p. 151.
July 1989
International pressures, the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), and technical difficulties bring the Cóndor II program virtually to a halt in Argentina and Egypt. In particular, technical setbacks in guidance and control have prevented Argentina from conducting an initial flight test of the missile.
—US Central Intelligence Agency, Iraqi Ballistic Missile Developments: An Intelligence Assessment (Washington, DC: Directorate of Intelligence, 30 June 1990), classified "Top Secret," declassified excerpts released 5 March 1998, <http://www.foia.ucia.gov>, p. 9; Eduardo Barcelona and Julio Villalonga, Relaciones carnales: la verdadera historia de la construcción y destrucción del misil Cóndor II (Buenos Aires: Planeta, 1992), p. 130.
July 1989
Nine former employees of SNIA-BPD, which is controlled by the Italian firm Fiat, are under investigation by Italian judicial and intelligence officials for illegal activities connected with the Cóndor II program. Fiat denies involvement with the Cóndor II, but acknowledges that SNIA-BPD collaborated with the German firm Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm (MBB) in developing the Cóndor I.
—John Wyles, "Fiat Link Suspected in Cóndor Missile Probe," Financial Times, 31 July 1989, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.
5 July 1989
Air Force officials conduct the third and final test-launch of the Alacrán missile at Chamical, with president-elect Carlos Menem reportedly in attendance.
—Vann Van Diepen, ["intelligence document"], secret, date not known but circa 1992; translated and published in Martin Granovsky, Misión cumplida: La presión norteamericana sobre la Argentina, de Braden a Todman, (Buenos Aires: Planeta, 1992), p. 343.
8 July 1989
Carlos Menem assumes the presidency. Shortly before taking power, President Menem states in La Nación that Argentina does not have the political capacity nor the international standing to sustain a missile project such as the Cóndor. He takes office facing economic crisis, with inflation running at 150% per month, and the country $4 billion in arrears in payments on its $64 billion foreign debt.
—César Docampo, Desarrollo de vectores espaciales y tecnología misilística en Argentina: el Cóndor II (Buenos Aires: EURAL, 1993), pp. 50-51; Eduardo Barcelona and Julio Villalonga, Relaciones carnales: la verdadera historia de la construcción y destrucción del misil Cóndor II (Buenos Aires: Planeta, 1992), p. 37; Thomas E. Skidmore and Peter H. Smith, Modern Latin America, 3rd ed. (New York and Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1992), p. 110.
19 July 1989
Brigadier General José Antonio Juliá becomes head of the Argentine Air Force.
—Eduardo Barcelona and Julio Villalonga, Relaciones carnales: la verdadera historia de la construcción y destrucción del misil Cóndor II (Buenos Aires: Planeta, 1992), p. 37.
29 July 1989
Italian police detain nine former National Industrial Applications Company (SNIA) technicians on charges of illicit arms trade and collaboration in the Cóndor II missile project. They are Riccardo Cechetti, president of Conser (Rome); Eugenio Renzulli, former president of Intes (Rome) and director of Conser; Silvano Lustrati, president of Intea (Rome); Sandro Fagioli, president of Intes; Mario del Papa, managing director of Meg and Rata (Aprilia); Roberto Coculo, an employee of Conser and Intes; Vittorio Baglioni, former technical manager of Rata and current manager of Camma (Aprilia); Alberto Loy, former director of Intes; and Pietro Spadetta, managing director of Conser. Twenty Swiss, German, Austrian, and Argentine "front" companies are also implicated. Authorities search SNIA headquarters and warehouses of both SNIA and Rata seizing missile parts and nozzle components. Authorities also search the offices of Microtecnica in Turin and the Institute for Advanced Technology (IFAT) in Zurich.
—Antonio Cipriani, "Italian 'Cóndors' to Argentina: Missile Trafficking Discovered," L'Unita (Milan), 30 July 1989, p. 6; in "Charges Filed in Missile Parts Sales to Argentina," FBIS-WEU-89-151, 8 August 1989, p. 6.
30 July 1989
Giorgio Santacroce, an Italian prosecutor, accuses Consen and INTESA directors of illegal sales of military arms components.
—Eduardo Barcelona and Julio Villalonga, Relaciones carnales: la verdadera historia de la construcción y destrucción del misil Cóndor II (Buenos Aires: Planeta, 1992), p. 101.
14 August 1989
The Italian government brings charges against nine former employees of the National Industrial Applications Company (SNIA), BPD (Defense Division), for the sale of medium-range ballistic missile components to Argentina, Egypt, and Iraq. Other individuals are charged as a result of the investigation, but not taken into custody.
—"Charges Filed In Missile Parts Sales To Argentina," L'Unita (Milan), 30 June 1989, p. 6; cited in Nuclear Developments, 14 August 1989, p. 41.
23 August 1989
In his first trip abroad as President, Carlos Menem issues a joint declaration on missile technology with his Brazilian counterpart, Fernando Collor de Mello. The two presidents sign the Argentine-Brazilian Joint Declaration on Bilateral Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space. This declaration forms the Argentine-Brazilian Joint Working Group on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, which meets annually and includes representatives from the Chancelleries and space agencies of both countries. The Working Group coordinates activities of the two countries on international laws related to space, and gives rise to Joint Technical Meetings held periodically with representatives from the respective space agencies of Argentina and Brazil, CONAE and the Instituto Nacional de Pesquisa Espaciales (INPE).
—Conrado F. Varotto, "Argentina y Brasil en la Actividad Espacial," paper prepared for "Seminário Brasil - Argentina," (Rio de Janeiro: Instituto de Pesquisa de Relações Internacionais, Ministério das Relações Exteriores), 20-21 November 1997; Maria Izabel Mallmann and Vera Seitenfus, "Cronologia do Mercosul 1985-1999," (Centro Brasileiro de Documentação e Estudos da Bacia do Prata, CEDEP/UFRGS, undated).
September 1989
The Egyptian government terminates the Badr-2000 missile project and ends its involvement with the Cóndor.
—Daniel Santoro, Operación Cóndor II: la historia secreta del misil que desmanteló Menem (Buenos Aires: Ediciones Letra Buena, 1992), p. 42.
September 1989
Menem discusses the Cóndor with Libyan President Moammar Khaddafi while both are in Belgrade for meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). Khaddafi reportedly argues that only with military power can one gain advantage against the Americans, and that this motivates his keen interest in the Cóndor missile. According to meeting participant and Menem cabinet minister Domingo Cavallo, Khaddafi "makes it clear that he had supported Menem's electoral campaign in exchange for a promise to begin negotiations on exporting the missile to Libya." Menem responds evasively, arguing the missile is ineffectual and lacks a guidance system, but Khaddafi replies that what matters is the Americans' belief that it is a potent system, and that for Libya, even an unguided missile would serve as long as it arouses great concern among the Americans. After the meeting, Menem remarks to Cavallo that his advisors have irresponsibly sold the Cóndor to Khaddafi for electoral contributions, and that this realization reinforces his determination to halt the program as soon as possible.
—Domingo Cavallo, El peso de la verdad: un impulso a la transparencia en la Argentina de los 90 (Buenos Aires: Planeta, 1997), pp. 19-21; "Cavallo destapa nuevos escándalos," La Nación, 27 June 1997, <http://www.lanacion.com.ar>; "Los acuerdos y compromisos secretos de Menem y los árabes," Río Negro, 11 January 2000, <http://www.rionegro.com.ar/amia/index.html>.
7 September 1989
The Iraqi Embassy states that there is no plan to develop Cóndor missiles with Argentina or with any other state. The Embassy notes that while Iraq now possesses the capability of manufacturing medium-range missiles indigenously, Argentina does not.
—"Embassy Comments on Report," Ina (Baghdad), 7 September 1989, cited in Nuclear Developments, 6 October 1989, p. 20.
14 September 1989
An editorial in the Tehran Times, in reference to the Cóndor II project, warns that the Argentine president should think carefully about the dangers of setting off an arms race in the Middle East.
—"Iraqi Effort to Get Nuclear Missiles Viewed," Tehran Times, 14 September 1989, p. 2, cited in Nuclear Developments, 26 October 1989, p. 2.
16 September 1989
US Undersecretary of State for military affairs Robert Decain urges opposition to the Cóndor in discussions with Argentine Vice Chancellor Mario Campora and Minister of Defense Italo Luder. In London, US Vice President Dan Quayle makes a public statement saying the United States will continue to put pressure on countries (principally Germany and Italy) involved with the Cóndor II project.
—Daniel Santoro, Operación Cóndor II: la historia secreta del misil que desmanteló Menem (Buenos Aires: Ediciones Letra Buena, 1992), p. 50.
19 September 1989
Assistant Secretary of State John H. Kelly tells a US House of Representatives panel that Egypt has terminated its cooperation with Iraq on the Cóndor II, but does not comment on why Egypt withdrew from the project.
—David B. Ottaway, "Egypt Drops Out of Missile Project; State Department Official Offers No Details on Iraqi Program," Washington Post, 20 September 1989, p. A32.
19 September 1989
The Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) issues an assessment on the smuggling activities of Abdelkader Helmy to the US Attorney for the Eastern District of California. It notes that "[w]ithout the activities of Dr. Helmy, and his co-conspirators, in procuring restricted technology, completion of the Cóndor missile program is doubtful."
—US Defense Intelligence Agency, "Assessment on the Activities of Abdel Kader Helmy, et al. and the Egptian/Iraqi Cóndor Missile Program," 19 September 1989, cited in United States v Abdelkader Helmy, et al., S 88 201 RAR (1989).
27 September 1989
Menem and Cavallo meet with US President George Bush for 45 minutes, and Bush urges them to suspend development of the Cóndor. Cavallo concludes that the missile project is jeopardizing US-Argentine economic relations. Brigadier General José Antonio Juliá also meets with officials in the Pentagon and with senior members of Congress to discuss the Cóndor II. He informs them that at this time, Argentina has developed only a solid-fuel engine and the missile airframe, but has not developed a guidance system. In fact, guidance development has been halted for several months due to lack of funding. Juliá attempts to strike a deal when the conversation changes to a brief discussion of the Pampa. Juliá next meets with Nancy Doran, Under Secretary of Defense, who tells him clearly that the program must end or Argentina will receive no credits or assistance from the United States. Finally, Juliá meets with Reginald Bartholomew, Under Secretary of State for Nuclear Affairs and Disarmament, who grills him on the Cóndor II and on Argentine nuclear capabilities, Juliá realizes that these vexing issues are former Brigadier General Crespo's legacies for him. In a subsequent press conference at the headquarters of the Organization of American States (OAS), Menem states that he will continue the Cóndor project despite US opposition, saying "We are not developing it for war, we can develop it for peace. These are the arguments used by the great powers. Argentina can use them, too."
—Eduardo Barcelona and Julio Villalonga, Relaciones carnales: la verdadera historia de la construcción y destrucción del misil Cóndor II (Buenos Aires: Planeta, 1992), pp. 54-55; "Menem Tours Washington, Announces IMF Accord," Inter Press Service, 27 September 1987.
October 1989
The Argentine Air Force tests the FAS-320 Tabano, or "Horsefly," tactical rocket. The Tabano is an upgraded version of the Alacrán, and a precursor of the proposed Cóndor II satellite launch vehicle. The Tabano is 6.3m in length, can carry a 500kg warhead, and is designed to carry a cluster bomb device capable of destroying an area of four hectare at a range of 100km.
—"Argentina Trial-Launches New Weapons," Defence, October 1989, p. 749.
October 1989
Juliá reportedly states that the Cóndor II project will continue despite US objections conveyed to President Menem. Juliá says that criticism is superficial, and that concern was expressed only at low levels during the president's recent trip to the United States. He declares that the Cóndor project was planned in 1977-78 with the objective of creating a launch vehicle that could place satellites into orbit. By adjusting trajectory and load the missile could conceivably "carry anything," even a nuclear warhead, and would thereby act as a deterrent. Juliá claims that the United States is in fact not worried that Argentina might export this technology to counties that could cause an imbalance of power in certain regions, nor that Argentina would master this missile technology.
—"Cóndor II Project To Continue," DYN (Buenos Aires), 5 October 1989, cited in Proliferation Issues, 26 October 1989, p. 21.
October 1989
Five US senators formally request that the US Secretary of Defense investigate whether the German firm MBB provided fuel-air explosive (FAE) technology to Iraq in the course of its participation in the Egyptian-Iraqi Cóndor II project. In addition, they express concern that FAE technology may have been transferred to Iraq illegally from the United States.
—"FAEs for Iraq," Jane's Defence Weekly, 20 October 1990, p. 739.
29 October 1989
Bush and Menem meet in Costa Rica, where Bush urges his Argentine counterpart not to transfer any dangerous missile technology to Saddam Hussein.
—Daniel Santoro, Operación Cóndor II: la historia secreta del misil que desmanteló Menem (Buenos Aires: Ediciones Letra Buena, 1992), p. 73.
November 1989
Swedish arms export control authorities are investigating the alleged involvement of the defense firm Bofors in the Cóndor program.
—John Burton, "Swedish Government Investigates Bofors Over Missile Claims," Financial Times, 8 November 1989, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.
22 November 1989
The US Congress rescinds the Kennedy-Humphrey amendment, which had banned arms sales to Argentina since 1977.
—Carlos Saul Menem, Estados Unidos, Argentina y Carlos Menem, (San Isidro: Editorial CEYNE, 1990), p. 202.
27 November 1989
Juliá says that further testing of the Cóndor II is unnecessary, and politically inadvisable, as it would be "misinterpreted" by countries seeking to poison Argentine-US relations.
—"Argentina Air Force Exhibits Technical Developments; COS on Cóndor 2 Project and Pampa Aircraft," Noticias Argentinas, 1 December 1989, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.
December 1989
Experts report that the al-Abid, Iraq's three-stage, 48-ton satellite launch missile, is not (as had been previously alleged) a Cóndor II missile. According to experts who viewed a videotape of the 7 December 1989 launch of the al-Abid, the faint smoke plume emanating from the rocket was indicative of a liquid-fueled motor, while the Cóndor II has a solid-fuel engine. Further, the Cóndor has only two stages, whereas three stages can be seen on the tape of the al-Abid launch. According to Gary Milhollin of the Wisconsin Project on Nuclear Arms Control, five motors can be seen in the first stage, which he suggests are either Scuds or elongated Scuds welded together. This would suggest that the al-Abid is not wholly indigenously produced, but rather an adaptation of Soviet missiles similar to the al-Abbas and al-Hussein missiles. Argentine and Egyptian engineers are reportedly present for the launch.
—"Iraq Heavy Missile Launch Definitely Not Cóndor II," Defense & Foreign Affairs Weekly, January 1990-4 February 1990, p. 1; US Department of Defense, "IIR [Excised] Cóndor II Missile," Intelligence report declassified and partially released, available through the Digital National Security Archive, <http://nsarchive.chadwyck.com>.
21 December 1989
The US Joint Chiefs send a report to the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) regarding Argentine press accounts of the development of the Cóndor missile. The report concludes saying, "[passage deleted] – is the project dead or not? President Menem had ordered the project dropped in October, yet November and December were full of indications that the missile was anything but dropped. Source immediately tightened up and became more controlled in his conversation."
—US Department of Defense, "IIR [Excised] Cóndor II Missile," Intelligence report declassified and partially released, available through the Digital National Security Archive, <http://nsarchive.chadwyck.com>.
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