Iran missile test succeeds, Shihab-3 judged operational

NICOSIA [MENL] -- Iran has succeeded in test-launching the Shihab-3 and Israeli military sources said the intermediate-range missile appears ready for operational deployment.

It was the first test of the Shihab-3 since July 1998, when the missile exploded in mid-flight. The Shihab-3 is modeled after the North Korean No-Dong missile and improved by Russian technology and subsystems.

Western intelligence sources said the Iranian test was a success. They did not elaborate.

Iranian state television said the Shihab-3 is meant to be a defensive weapon and part of a "policy of strengthening its defense capability on the basis of the principle of deterrence. This test is not in any way a threat to another country."

Later, an Iranian Defense Ministry source was quoted by the state Islamic Republic News Agency as saying the Shihab-3 test on Saturday was aimed at examining the scientific standards of the missile and to bolster the country's deterrence. The source did not elaborate.

In Tel Aviv, deputy Defense Minister Ephraim Sneh said the test of the Shihab-3 was part of an Iranian effort to develop strategic weapons. An Israeli military source said the Shihab-3 test demonstrated that the missile is ready to be deployed.

The range of the Shihab-3 is estimated at 1,300 kilometers, in range of Saudi Arabia and Israel. Iran said the Shihab-3 has a one-ton warhead.

The Islamic republic is also working on the Shihab-4, which has a range of between 2,000 and 2,400 kilometers. Teheran said the missile is meant as a satellite booster.