Iran
Semnan Missile Complex
About
The Semnan Missile Complex includes a ballistic missile test range and production facility reportedly built with substantial Chinese assistance. 1 Iran began producing the Oghab unguided artillery rocket at Semnan in 1987 with the goal of producing 600 to 1,000 such rockets per year. 2 The plant also produces the solid-fueled artillery rocket Nazeat, Shahab-I missiles, and might be involved in the production of Zelzal rockets. 3 The Iranian Space Center and associated launch facilities are located in the vicinity of the site.
Glossary
- Ballistic missile
- A delivery vehicle powered by a liquid or solid fueled rocket that primarily travels in a ballistic (free-fall) trajectory. The flight of a ballistic missile includes three phases: 1) boost phase, where the rocket generates thrust to launch the missile into flight; 2) midcourse phase, where the missile coasts in an arc under the influence of gravity; and 3) terminal phase, in which the missile descends towards its target. Ballistic missiles can be characterized by three key parameters - range, payload, and Circular Error Probable (CEP), or targeting precision. Ballistic missiles are primarily intended for use against ground targets.
Sources
- Anthony Cordesman, The Military Balance in the Middle East (Washington, DC: Center for Strategic and International Studies, 2004), p. 488.
- Anthony Cordesman, The Military Balance in the Middle East (Washington, DC: Center for Strategic and International Studies, 2004), p. 488.
- Iran's Ballistic Missile Capabilities: A Net Assessment, International Institute for Strategic Studies, 2010, p. 49; Yonah Alexander and Milton M. Hoenig, The New Iranian Leadership (London: Praeger Security International, 2008), p. 178.