Ballistic missile program of Iran

The ballistic missile program of Iran is the largest in the Middle East and plays a key role in Iran's military strategy. Its diverse short-range and medium-range ballistic missiles serve as a deterrent, support regional proxies, and bolster national defense capabilities.

The program aims to offset its adversaries' military superiority, particularly given international sanctions against Iran that have hampered its ability to maintain and upgrade its air force. The country has adopted a "deterrence by punishment" approach to ward off threats from Saudi Arabia, Israel, and the United States, and according to an Iranian official, all European countries are also in range.

Concerns about the program's potential connection to Iran's nuclear ambitions have led to international scrutiny and sanctions, after which Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei reportedly authorised the development of miniaturised nuclear warheads for ballistic missiles.

The program is primarily led by two the Aerospace Industries Organization (AIO) and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which oversee several subordinate missile entities and front companies that procure needed ingredients, components, and equipment from foreign suppliers. The Self-Sufficiency Jihad Organization (SSJO) is tasked with advancing the country's ballistic missile capabilities.

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