As part of the current Israeli-Iranian war of words, an Israeli newspaper reported on Sunday that a recent trial of the Iranian Shihab-3 missile failed when the engines exploded, reportedly resulting in a number of casualties. There is no other confirmation to this story.
According to Haaretz daily, experts say the repetitive failures in the engines of the ground-to-ground missile will undoubtedly delay its production. However, this, they say, does not indicate that the Islamic Republic does not have operational missiles capable of reaching Israel.
Western sources note that the failed trial occurred some three weeks ago and for the first time, the blast claimed casualties and, according to one source, lives. No official Iranian announcement of the incidence has been issued.
The first trial launch of the Shihab-3 took place on July 23, 1998, and caught Israel and other intelligence services by surprise. Iran announced that the launch was successful, however, closer inspection suggested this was not the case.
The missile lifted off and stayed airborne for around 100 seconds, and then crashed. Experts said the failure was the result of an engine problem.
Subsequently, the second test launch was also termed a success. It later emerged that the Iranians had installed a North Korean engine in the missile, not an Iranian one. North Korean expertise has been instrumental in the development of the Shihab-3 missile. However, recent efforts to harness Russian expertise in dealing with the engine problems of the Iranian missile have failed to furnish positive results.
Meanwhile, Israel succeeded in persuading Washington of the need for a third deployed battery of Arrow anti-ballistic missiles to counter the Shihab-3 missiles, whose range is estimated to be 1,300 kilometers.
According to experts, the Shihab-3 failures will only delay the program, and they point out other efforts being made by countries to develop ballistic missiles, suggesting that it is only an issue of funds and time before a missile can be made ready for production.
Another possibility is that if Tehran seeks to have the Shihab-3 ready for deployment, it may choose to use the more reliable North Korean engines. North Korea also provides missile technology to such Mideast countries as Syria and Egypt.
Furthermore, Iran is also developing the Shihab-4, with an estimated range of 2,000 kilometers. (Albawaba.com)
