Weapons & Defense Systems

Iran's first medium-range ballistic missile, derived from the North Korean Nodong-1. The backbone of Iran's strategic deterrent for over two decades. Liquid-fueled, requiring hours to prepare for launch, making it vulnerable to preemptive strikes.

Iran's first precision-guided MRBM with a maneuverable reentry vehicle (MaRV). Represents a significant accuracy improvement over the Shahab-3. Used in both True Promise operations against Israel.

Iran's longest-range operational missile. Two-stage solid-fuel design allows rapid launch (minutes instead of hours), making it harder to destroy preemptively. A critical upgrade over liquid-fueled predecessors.

Iran's heaviest MRBM, believed to be capable of carrying multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs). If operational with MIRVs, it would significantly complicate Israeli missile defense calculations.

Short-range precision tactical missile widely used by Iran and its proxies. Solid-fueled for rapid deployment. Variants supplied to Hezbollah in Lebanon. High accuracy makes it effective against military installations.

Extended-range variant of the Fateh family. First used in combat during 2017 strikes against ISIS in Syria, launched from Iranian territory. Can reach US bases in the Gulf region.

Named after assassinated Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani. Solid-fueled medium-range missile with improved accuracy. Used in the True Promise II attack against Israel in October 2024.

Iran's claimed hypersonic missile, unveiled in 2023. If performance claims are accurate, it represents a major challenge to existing missile defense systems due to its extreme speed and maneuvering capability during terminal phase.

Delta-wing one-way attack drone that has become the most globally recognized Iranian weapon. Mass-produced at low cost, used in swarm attacks to overwhelm air defenses. Extensively used by Russia against Ukraine and by Iran against Israel in April 2024.

Loitering munition with reconnaissance capability. Can be used for both surveillance and attack missions. Simpler and cheaper than the Shahed series, used by Houthi forces in Yemen.

Iran's primary armed reconnaissance drone, resembling the Israeli Hermes 450. Capable of carrying precision-guided munitions for strike missions. Extensively used in Syria and Iraq.

Advanced strike-capable drone that can carry up to four precision-guided bombs. Used in combat in Syria and exported to Ethiopia. Part of Iran's growing drone export program.

Long-range ground-launched cruise missile. Flies at low altitude to avoid radar detection. Used in the April 2024 attack on Israel alongside ballistic missiles and drones.

Ground-launched cruise missile unveiled on the 40th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution. Based on the Soumar platform with improved range and accuracy.

Russia's export variant of its advanced long-range SAM system. Delivered to Iran in 2016 after a years-long delay due to international pressure. Deployed around nuclear facilities and key military sites. Performance against Israeli stealth aircraft remains contested.

Iran's indigenous long-range air defense system, often described as the "Iranian S-300." Developed after Russia delayed S-300 delivery. Uses the Sayyad-4 interceptor missile. Actual capabilities vs. claimed specs remain unverified independently.

Medium-range mobile air defense system. Features rapid deployment capability and can engage multiple targets simultaneously. Represents Iran's push toward self-sufficiency in air defense.

Medium-range air defense system famous for shooting down a US RQ-4A Global Hawk drone over the Strait of Hormuz in June 2019 — an incident that nearly triggered a US military strike against Iran. Demonstrates capability against high-altitude targets.

Short-range point defense system designed to protect critical infrastructure from precision-guided munitions and drones. Part of Iran's layered defense approach for nuclear and military sites.