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.
Late 1960s
The Shah of Iran opens the Iran Electronics Industries (IEI) missile repair facility in Shiraz to Pakistan.
—Ann Tibbitts Schulz, Buying Security: Iran Under the Monarchy (San Francisco: Westview Press, 1989), p. 54.
1971
The Iran Electronics Industries (IEI) contracts Texas-based Emerson Energy Systems to repair TOW and FGM-77A dragon missile systems for Pakistan and Yemen.
—Ann Tibbitts Schulz, Buying Security: Iran Under the Monarchy (San Francisco: Westview Press, 1989), p. 57.
1976
Pakistan and North Korea sign a protocol on technical cooperation.
—Lee Chae Sŭng, Pukhan'ŭl Umjig'i'nŭn Technocrat (Seoul: Ilbit, 1998), p. 442.
3 October 1976
Pakistani businessman Arif Durrani is arrested on charges of selling Hawk missile parts to Iran. Durrani operates an aircraft parts business in California.
— "Man Convicted in Missile Parts Sale to Iran Despite Claimed NSC Role," Los Angeles Times, 3 April 1987, p. 30, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
1980s
Cooperation between Pakistan and North Korea on ballistic missiles begins during the Iran-Iraq War as scientists and advisors from both countries assist in Iran's missile program.
—Joseph Bermudez, "A silent partner," Jane's Defense Weekly, 20 May 1998.
Early September 1981
Intelligence reports indicate that Orbital Transport und Raketen Aktien-Gesellschaft (OTRAG), a Munich-based German company, is using its peaceful rocket program as a front to sell defense equipment, including short-range missiles to countries like Pakistan, Libya and Iraq.
—Judith Miller, "Industry Enters a Twilight Zone," New York Times, 13 September 1981, Section 4, p. 2, Column 3, in Review Desk; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 13 September 1981, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; William Safire, "The Islamic Bomb," New York Times, 1 October 1981, Section A, Page 35, Column 1, Editorial Desk; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 1 October 1981, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
April 1986
A report by the Congressional Research Service (CRS) predicts that missiles will be deployed in most regions of the world in the near future. The report states that many nations are using their space programs to build missiles. The report also warns of the possibility of third world nations armed with nuclear-tipped missiles since many nations have both an active nuclear program as well as a missile program. The nations included in the list are Israel, India, Pakistan, Syria, Egypt, Iraq, Libya, Taiwan, South Korea, North Korea, Brazil, and Argentina.
—"Third world developing missiles, report warns," Toronto Star (Toronto), 28 April 1986, News, Pg. A11; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 28 April 1986, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
14 August 1987
A US Congressional library report says many countries are developing or have already developed ballistic missile technologies. The countries included India, Pakistan, South Korea, Taiwan, Argentina, Brazil, Israel, and South Africa.
—"South Korea, Taiwan, India developing ballistic missiles," US Congressional Library, 15 August 1987; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 15 August 1987, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.
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Updated November 2003 |
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