Total Manpower Strength 46,000

PICTURES

STATUS

• 
  In the first flight test on July 22, 1998, the test missile exploded after 100 seconds of flight and traveling 620 mi (998 km) downrange over northern Iran. It is unknown if the explosion was accidental or a deliberate termination of the test. Some analysts believe a deliberate detonation was h ighly unlikely and that the missile likely had problems due to steering vane disintegration failure or instrumentation/guidance failure. However, some experts believe the test was at least partially successful.
  
• 
  A full end-to-end flight test of the Shahab-3 took place on July 15, 2000. The missile is believed to have used an engine purchased from North Korea, rather than one produced domestically in Iran.
  
• 
  A subsequent test failed on Sept. 21, 2000, probably of a Shahab-3D (see "Variants" below), with the missile detonating shortly after liftoff.
  
• 
  In July of 2003, Iran successfully tested the Shahab-3, then estimated to have a range of 746 miles (1,200 km) and a payload of 2,646 lb (1,200 kg).
  
• 
  On Aug. 11, 2004, Iran tested the Shahab-3 missile.
  
• 
  From Sept. 12-18, 2004, Iran conducted exercises including the launch of a strategic missile; there were no reports on the design.
  
• 
  On Oct. 20, 2004, Iran launched what was said to be a more accurate Shahab-3 ballistic missile, with a range of 1,243 mi (2,000 km), according to Defense Minister Ali Shamkhani.
  
• 
  On Jan. 17, 2006, Iran tested a missile that may have been the Shahab-4, collecting flight telemetry information.
  
• 
  In a Feb. 4, 2008, test flight of the Shahab-3, one of the jet vanes fell off during flight; however, the loss was no enough to cause critical instability.
  
• 
  On Sept. 27, 2009, Iran conducted a successful test flight of the Shahab-3 missile, though the accuracy of the missile was called into question.
  

On Sept. 22, 2005, six Shahab-3 missiles passed the presidential viewing platform during a parade.

Iran had the Shahab-3 on display during National Army Day on April 19, 2010.