| Last Updated: | December 1, 2010 |
|---|---|
| Other Name: | N/A |
| Location: | Abu Musa Island |
| Subordinate To: | Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps |
| Size: | Unknown |
| Facility Status: | Operational |
Abu Musa Island is strategically located in the bottleneck of the Strait of Hormuz. Since the 1980s, Iran has installed launch pads for advanced anti-ship missiles on the island. [1] According to Jane's Defense Weekly, "the launchers and associated radar for these missiles are probably housed along the north end of the island, where satellite images depict a number of revetments (possibly lined with concrete) forming a tunnel around a large hill." [2] However, Iran is believed to keep most of the missiles in storage onshore, ready for deployment when needed. [3] The Asia Times has also reported Iranian deployment of supersonic cruise missiles such as the Yakonts, Moskits, Granits, and Brahmos on Abu Musa. [4]
Sources:
[1] David Eshel, "Hormuz Straits Come Into Focus as Gulf Tension Mounts," Defense Update, 19 April 2007, www.defense-update.com.
[2] Clifford Beal, "Uncovered: Iran's Abu Musa Island," Jane's Defence Weekly, 8 March 2000, www.janes.com.
[3] David Hartwell and Allison Puccioni, "Island Fortresses - Abu Musa and Greater Tunb," Jane's Intelligence Review, 14 August 2009, www.janes.com.
[4] Victor N. Corpus, "Part I: Striking the U.S. where it Hurts," Asia Times, 19 October 2006, www.atimes.com.
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Iran
This article provides an overview of Iran's historical and current policies relating to nuclear, chemical, biological and missile proliferation.
