Iran successfully launches long-range ballistic missiles - TV
10:54 | 02/ 11/ 2006

TEHRAN, November 2 (RIA Novosti) - Iran has successfully launched several dozen long-range ballistic missiles during large-scale military exercises that began Thursday, an Iranian television station reported.

The exercises are taking place November 2-12 in southern Iran, and involve ground units, the Air Force, Navy and Basij (militia) forces.

The television station said the first day of the exercises was notable for the successful launch of Shahab-2, Shahab-3 long-range ballistic missiles, as well as of Scud-B, Fateh-110 and other missiles. It added that Iranian specialists had designed all of the missiles.

On Wednesday, Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps General Yahya Rahim-Safavi said the main aim of the maneuvers was to demonstrate the might of the Iranian people and their determination to defend the country from all threats.

He added the exercises do not pose a threat to neighboring countries, but on the contrary are meant to improve security in the region.

Iran is believed to possess one of the largest ballistic missile forces in the developing world, and is reportedly running an ambitious missile development program. Many countries likewise suspect it of developing nuclear weapons through its uranium enrichment program.

The Shahab-2 is an advanced version of Russia's Scud-C missile, with a range of up to 700 kilometers (about 430 miles), and is capable of carrying a 700-kilogram (1,500 pound) warhead.

The Shahab-3 is a modernized version of North Korea's No-Dong ballistic missile, and reportedly has a range of up to 1,500 kilometers (about 950 miles). It can carry a 1,000- kilogram (2,200 pound) payload.