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Tabriz Missile Base

Other Name: N/A
Location: Tabriz
Subordinate To: Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)
Size: Several large structures
Facility Status: Operational

The complex at Tabriz is reportedly Iran's second missile base housed in a silo, and its location in northwestern Iran suggests parts of Eastern and Central Europe may be within range of Iranian missiles. [1] According to analyst Sean O'Connor from Air Power Australia, transporter erector launchers (TEL) for the Shahab-1, Shahab-2 and potentially Shahab-3 missiles appear to exist at the site. [2] O'Connor also notes that Iran constructed two hardened silos at the base that probably contain Shahab-2 or Shahab-3 missiles. [3] Additionally, the mountainous topography around Tabriz and the hardened underground silos would increase the survivability of the missiles. An Israeli source purports that the Tabriz launch area is approximately 50,000 km2. [4]

Sources:
[1] "Bericht: Iranische Nuklear-Raketen Koennten Berlin Erreichen," [Iranian nuclear missiles could reach Berlin], Handelsblatt, 16 December 2005, www.handelsblatt.com; Jeffrey Lewis, "Suspected Missile Site Near Tabriz, Iran," Arms Control Wonk Blog, 1 February 2009, www.armscontrolwonk.com.
[2] Sean O'Connor, "Iranian Missile Silos," IMINT & Analysis, 20 February 2008, geimint.blogspot.com.
[3] Sean O'Connor, "Iranian Missile Silos," IMINT & Analysis, 20 February 2008, geimint.blogspot.com.
[4] Uzi Rubin, "New Developments in Iran's Missile Capabilities: Implications Beyond the Middle East," Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs, 25 August 2009, www.jcpa.org.

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This material is produced independently for NTI by the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of and has not been independently verified by NTI or its directors, officers, employees, or agents. Copyright © 2011 by MIIS.

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