Inside Iran’s Missile Arsenal: Capabilities, Stockpile Losses and Rebuild Strategy

Rising tensions across the Middle East have once again drawn attention to Iran’s missile programme — widely regarded as one of the largest and most diverse in the region.

Following recent military escalations, Israeli officials claimed that roughly half of Iran’s missile stockpile was destroyed during operations in 2025. Despite those reported losses, Tehran appears to be accelerating efforts to restore and modernise its arsenal.

While exact numbers remain difficult to independently verify, intelligence estimates suggest Iran had thousands of ballistic and cruise missiles before recent confrontations. Even after reported depletion, Iran is believed to retain a substantial operational capability.

What Types of Missiles Does Iran Possess?

Iran’s missile inventory spans multiple categories:

1. Short-Range Ballistic Missiles (SRBMs)

These missiles typically have a range of up to 1,000 km and are designed for regional targeting.

Examples include:

• Shahab-1 and Shahab-2
• Fateh-110 and Fateh-313
• Zolfaghar
• Dezful
• Raad-500

Many of the newer models use solid fuel and precision guidance systems, significantly improving accuracy compared to older liquid-fuel variants.

2. Medium-Range Ballistic Missiles (MRBMs)

These systems extend Iran’s reach to approximately 1,200–3,000 km, putting much of the Middle East within range.

Notable systems include:

• Shahab-3
• Ghadr
• Emad
• Khorramshahr series
• Sejjil
• Fattah-1 and Fattah-2
• Kheibar Shekan

Some of these missiles are assessed to have manoeuvrable re-entry vehicles (MaRVs), designed to complicate interception by air defence systems.

3. Land-Attack Cruise Missiles (LACMs)

Cruise missiles fly at lower altitudes and are harder to detect.

Systems include:

• Soumar
• Hoveizeh
• Ya Ali
• Paveh

These missiles enhance Iran’s ability to strike strategic infrastructure with precision.

4. Space Launch Vehicles (SLVs)

Iran has developed several space launch vehicles that share technological foundations with long-range ballistic systems.

Examples:

• Simorgh
• Qased
• Zuljanah
• Ghaem-100

While officially part of Iran’s space programme, such systems raise international concerns due to overlapping technologies with intercontinental missile capabilities.

Shift Toward Precision and Solid Fuel

Over the past two decades, Iran has shifted focus from simply extending missile range to enhancing survivability, readiness and accuracy.

Missile precision is measured by circular error probable (CEP). Older Shahab-series missiles reportedly had CEP values in the hundreds or even thousands of metres. In contrast, newer solid-fuel systems such as Fateh-313 and Zolfaghar variants are assessed to have a CEP between 10 and 30 metres — a significant improvement.

Solid-fuel propulsion has become central to Iran’s doctrine because:

• Missiles can be stored longer
• Launch preparation time is shorter
• Systems are less vulnerable to detection
• Mobility and survivability are improved

This transition reflects a broader emphasis on rapid deployment and battlefield resilience.

Stockpile Losses and Rebuilding Efforts

Israeli officials stated that about 50 per cent of Iran’s missile inventory was destroyed during recent operations, and that production facilities were targeted to prevent the manufacture of at least 1,500 additional missiles.

However, Iran had reportedly been producing dozens of surface-to-surface missiles per month prior to the conflict, with ambitions to increase production to hundreds per month. By late 2025, intelligence assessments indicated efforts were underway to replenish depleted stocks.

Even after reported losses, Iran is believed to retain approximately 1,500 missiles and around 200 launchers, though exact figures remain uncertain.

Nuclear Delivery Concerns

Although Iran maintains that its missile programme serves conventional defensive purposes, many of its medium-range ballistic missiles are technically capable of carrying a nuclear warhead.

International concern intensified following the reactivation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1929 in September 2025, which restricts Iran from undertaking activities related to ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons.

Iran continues to develop missile and space technologies that share components with long-range delivery systems, sustaining global scrutiny.

Regional Reach and Proxy Network

Iran’s missile capabilities extend beyond its borders through regional partnerships and transfers.

Missile systems or derivatives have reportedly been used by:

• Yemen’s Houthi movement against Saudi Arabia and the UAE
• Russian forces in Ukraine (short-range ballistic systems)

This networked strategy allows Iran to project influence across multiple theatres even if domestic stockpiles face reductions.

The Strategic Outlook

Despite recent battlefield losses, Iran’s missile forces remain central to its military doctrine and regional deterrence posture.

With a diverse inventory across short-range, medium-range and cruise missile categories — combined with increasing precision, solid-fuel advancements and manoeuvrable warheads — Iran retains the capacity to target military bases, infrastructure and strategic assets across much of the Middle East.

The exact size of its current arsenal remains opaque, but the breadth and sophistication of its systems suggest that missile capability will continue to be a defining element of Iran’s defence strategy.