TEHRAN: Iran has conducted night-time test launches of the Shahab class medium range ballistic missiles with multiple warheads as part of large-scale missile drills which started on Sunday, local media reported.
The missile defense drills, dubbed the Great Prophet IV, are being held amid growing tension with the West over Iran’s controversial nuclear program, after the Islamic Republic revealed last week that it was building a second uranium enrichment plant.
The Fars news agency reported that the night-time launches involved the Shahab-1 and Shahab-2 missiles with ranges of 350 km (217 miles) and 750 km (466 miles), respectively.
During the first stage of the Great Prophet IV exercises, Iran successfully tested short-range ground-to-ground Fateh-110, Tondar-69, and Zelzal-type missiles.
The third stage later on Monday will involve the launch of Iran’s most powerful Shahab-3 ballistic missile with the operational range of 2,100 km (1,300 miles).
Iran is believed to possess one of the largest ballistic missile forces in the developing world, and is reportedly running an ambitious missile development program.
Revolutionary Guards Air Force chief Hossein Salami announced on Sunday that IRGC has acquired the capability to fire missiles from mobile launchers.
Washington recently said it had made a new assessment of Iran’s missile capability and would now focus on protection of the increasing threat from Iran’s short- and medium-range ballistic missiles.
