Introduction to Iran’s Surface-to-Surface Ballistic Missiles + Video and Images

According to Rokna, the first phase of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ (IRGC) Great Prophet 15 (PBUH) military exercise was held yesterday morning with the sacred codename "O Fatemeh al-Zahra (PBUH)", involving the mass launching of surface-to-surface ballistic missiles and combat operations by offensive bomber drones in the general area of Iran's central desert.

This phase of the exercise, attended by Major General Hossein Salami, Commander-in-Chief of the IRGC, Brigadier General Amir Ali Hajizadeh, Commander of the IRGC Aerospace Force, and a group of senior commanders and high-ranking officials of the Armed Forces, featured a combined assault on a mock enemy base using a new generation of ballistic missiles and drones, resulting in the destruction of all designated targets.

In the first phase of the Great Prophet 15 (PBUH) exercise, after an initial attack by IRGC Aerospace Force's offensive bomber drones from all directions on the mock enemy's missile shield and the complete destruction of its targets, a mass volley of the IRGC’s new-generation ballistic missiles in the classes of Zulfiqar, Zelzal, and Dezful was launched at predetermined targets, delivering significant blows to the hypothetical enemy base.

What are the features of the IRGC’s new missiles?

Brigadier General Amir Ali Hajizadeh, Commander of the IRGC Aerospace Force, said regarding the missiles used in this exercise: “The missiles employed in this phase are new-generation ballistic missiles featuring detachable warheads with low Radar Cross Section (RCS), significantly reduced radar detectability, and preparation time reduced to one-tenth compared to previous models. These missiles can become operational and launch-ready in less than 5 minutes after deployment.”

According to commanders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, three missile types—Zulfiqar, Dezful, and Zelzal—were deployed in the exercise. These are equipped with detachable warheads, exo-atmospheric guidance, and capabilities to disrupt and bypass enemy missile shields.

Specifications of the Zelzal Missile Family

The Zelzal missile has been developed in three generations: Zelzal-1, Zelzal-2, and Zelzal Barrage, with the Barrage variant having significantly enhanced destructive power.

Specifications of “Zelzal-1”:

Length: 8 meters
Diameter: 0.60 meters
Total weight: 2,950 kilograms
Warhead weight: 500 kilograms
Range: 160 kilometers

Specifications of “Zelzal-2”:

Length: Over 8 meters
Diameter: 0.61 meters
Missile weight: 3,000 kilograms
Warhead weight: 210 to 600 kilograms

Specifications of “Zelzal Barrage”:

The Zelzal Barrage is a guided missile developed based on the Zelzal rocket. It has a range of 300 kilometers and was first announced for production in 2012 by then-IRGC Commander Major General Mohammad Ali Jafari.

This missile has triangular guiding fins at both ends of the body and comes in two variants: one carrying 30 unguided 17-kilogram submunitions, and the other carrying four guided 100-kilogram munitions installed on the warhead.

The Zelzal Barrage is used for the destruction of enemy facilities and assets such as airports, vehicles, aircraft, helicopters stationed at airbases, or enemy defense systems.

This missile was unveiled for the first time on May 11, 2014, during a visit by the Supreme Leader.

Specifications of the Zulfiqar Missile

Length: 10 meters
Speed: 1.5 kilometers per second
Range: 700 kilometers
Warhead weight: 450 kilograms
Accuracy: 10 meters

Special Features: Detachable warhead that increases range, reduces detectability, and lowers the likelihood of interception by enemy defense systems; powerful motor, dual-launcher system, and more.

Special Operations: Operations “Laylat al-Qadr” and “Zarbeh-ye Moharram”

Zulfiqar is a single-stage, solid-fuel, surface-to-surface, quasi-ballistic missile capable of striking and destroying targets up to 700 kilometers away.

It closely resembles the Fateh-313 missile but with a smaller warhead and modified guided fins.

Other features include mobile and self-propelled launch platforms, radar evasion, pinpoint accuracy, lightweight, and tactical usability.

Zulfiqar missiles were used by the IRGC Aerospace Force in strikes against ISIS commanders' headquarters in Syria.

Specifications of the Dezful Missile

Length: 12 meters
Missile weight: 1,500 kilograms
Range: 1,000 kilometers
Speed: Mach 9
Accuracy: 5 meters

Special Features: Radar-absorbing paint, enlarged fuel section, stabilizing fins, and numerous tactical advantages.

The smart surface-to-surface ballistic missile “Dezful” was unveiled in 2019 during the Fajr Decade in a ceremony attended by then-IRGC Commander Major General Mohammad Ali Jafari and Aerospace Commander General Hajizadeh at the IRGC's underground ballistic missile production facility.

Major General Jafari stated that unveiling the underground missile production city was a response to Western rhetoric and pressure, proving that sanctions and threats could not hinder Iran's goals.

General Hajizadeh emphasized the IRGC’s unwavering stance on Iran’s national security, noting that the Dezful missile represents the latest research-based achievement of the Aerospace Force and honors the resilience of the heroic people of Dezful during the Iran-Iraq war.

The smart Dezful missile belongs to the Zulfiqar family, featuring a 1,000-kilometer range and upgraded technologies. General Hajizadeh noted that the missile's geometry closely matches Zulfiqar’s, but with an additional 300 kilometers in range due to advanced technological improvements. Its destructive power is double that of Zulfiqar due to its warhead materials.

All Ballistic Missiles Developed After the Revolution:

Shahab-1

Based on reverse-engineering of the Soviet Scud-B, Shahab-1 is a liquid-fuel missile with two internal fuel tanks and a 1-ton warhead. Range: 320 km; Length: 11.2 m; Accuracy: 100–150 m. Used in attacks on Mujahedin-e Khalq bases.
Shahab-2

An upgraded version of Shahab-1 with a 750 km range and a 750 kg warhead. Liquid-fueled; 12 m long and weighs 6 tons; Accuracy: ~50 m.
Shahab-3

Iran’s first medium-range missile; liquid-fueled with a 2,000 km range in upgraded models. Warhead: 700 kg; final speed: Mach 7. Has mobile launcher and steering capabilities.
Fateh-110

Tactical, solid-fuel, single-stage precision missile with a 300 km range. Introduced in early 2000s. Replaced Shahab-1. Used in targeting Kurdish Democratic Party HQ in 2018 with deadly precision.
Qiam

Unveiled in 2010 with 800 km range and mobile launcher. Wingless design reduces radar signature and increases radar evasion.
Fateh-313

Longer-range (500 km), lighter version of Fateh-110 with composite solid fuel. Used in the “Martyr Soleimani” operation to strike Ayn al-Asad base in Iraq.
Hormoz-1 and Hormoz-2

Anti-ship and surface-to-surface ballistic missiles. Hormoz-1 is anti-radar, resembling the Persian Gulf missile. Hormoz-2 is anti-ship. Range: 300 km; Warhead: 450–500 kg; Speed: ~Mach 5.
Ghadir-F (Qadr-F)

Long-range liquid-fuel missile with a 2,000 km range. Warhead types include cluster and high-explosive. Weight: 17,458 kg; Warhead: 640 kg. Fired during "Velayat Might" drill in 2016.
Emad

First Iranian long-range missile with terminal guidance capability. Successfully tested in 2015. Designed and built by Iran’s Aerospace Industries Organization. Range: 1,700+ km; Precision-strike capability.
Sejjil

First Iranian long-range solid-fuel missile. Two-stage motor with 2,000 km range and 650 kg warhead. Max speed: ~Mach 14. Weight: 23,540 kg; Length: 18.21 m. High maneuverability in final phase.
Khoramshahr

Revealed in 2017. 2,000 km range with capability to carry multiple warheads up to 1,800 kg. Smaller dimensions make it more tactical. Limited technical details released.
Fateh Mobin

Revealed in August 2018. Features advanced seeker and smart guidance. Radar-evading, tactical, precision-strike capability on land and sea under all weather conditions. Considered a modern evolution of Fateh series.
Raad-500

Unveiled in February 2020. Features composite "Zohair" motor and non-metallic body. Carbon fiber design resists 100-bar pressure and 3,000°C temperature. Lighter than Fateh-110 but with 200 km longer range. Combines "composite body" and "moving nozzle" technologies, enabling solid-fuel engines to operate outside the atmosphere and paving the way for lightweight satellite launchers and radar-evading missiles with higher production efficiency.