Subordinate to: Defense Industries Organization (DIO)

Other Name: Gostaresh Scientific Research Center

Location: Latitude 35° 28' North; longitude 48° 53' East; West of Tehran; province of Hamadan

Primary Function: Missile engineering research.

Description and Activities:
Gostaresh, also known as the Gostaresh Scientific Research Center, is located west of Tehran, in the province of Hamadan. It is the principal facility of the Defense Industries Organization (DIO). The Gostaresh Scientific Research Center researches missile engineering with a focus on missile technology.

According to some sources, the following missile program entities are believed to be housed at the Gostaresh Scientific Research Center: Sanam Industries Group or Department 140; the Mechanical System Industrial Group or Departments 142 and 158; the Education and Research Institute (ERI), formerly known as Scientific Research Group, or Department 148/3; the University of Science and Defense Technologies or Department 149/d; and the Special Industrial Groups of the Ministry of Defense or Department 154.

Key Resources: Mikhail Kirillin, "Several U.S. Firms Engaged in Developing Missile Equipment Have Links With Iranians," Yadernyy Kontrol Dossier in Yadernyy Kontrol (Moscow), March-April 1998, No.2 Vol. 38, pp.37-43; in "Iran's Missile Industry, U.S. Missile Development Firms With Iranian Links," FBIS Document FTS 19980605000876, 1 March 1998; John Pike, "Gostaresh," <http://www.fas.org>; John Pike, "Defense Industries Organization (DIO)," <http://www.fas.org>.

	Updated May 2004