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Updated February 2006
Missile Chronology
1996
This annotated chronology is based on the data sources that follow each entry. Public sources often provide conflicting information on classified military programs. In some cases we are unable to resolve these discrepancies, in others we have deliberately refrained from doing so to highlight the potential influence of false or misleading information as it appeared over time. In many cases, we are unable to independently verify claims. Hence in reviewing this chronology, readers should take into account the credibility of the sources employed here.
Inclusion in this chronology does not necessarily indicate that a particular development is of direct or indirect proliferation significance. Some entries provide international or domestic context for technological development and national policymaking. Moreover, some entries may refer to developments with positive consequences for nonproliferation.
1996
Inor NPTs (Scientific Production Center) based in Korolev, Moscow Oblast, delivered general purpose structural steel and alloys to Iran in 1996. These alloys are not related to the low-carbon chrome-nickel corrosion-resistant steels, and are not restricted by the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR).
—"U.S. Claims on Iran Arms Projects Refuted," Nezavisimaya Gazeta (Moscow), 27 February 1999; in FBIS Document FTS19990308000140, 27 February 1999.
1996-1998
Russia's Glavkosmos GkhO (State Cost-Accounting Organization), which is under the Russian Space Agency, delivers materials, equipment, and technologies to Iran between January 1996 and August 1998. The Russians claim that these deliveries do not violate any export restrictions.
—"U.S. Claims on Iran Arms Projects Refuted," Nezavisimaya Gazeta (Moscow), 27 February 1999; in FBIS Document FTS19990308000140, 27 February 1999.
1996
Iran's Sanam Group asks Russia's Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute (TsAGI) to collaborate on work done at TsAGI in order "to determine the aerodynamic characteristics of a model to study the geophysics of a missile for atmospheric sounding."
—Ivan Safranchuk, ed., by Dmitriy Yevstafyev, "Scientific Notes No. 8: The Nuclear and Missile Programs of Iran and Russian Security – The Framework of Russian-Iranian Collaboration," Nauchnyye Zapiski (Moscow), 5 May 1999, vol. 8, pp. 1-36; in "Russia, Iran Nuclear Program Cooperation," in FBIS Document FTS19990701001333, 1 July 1999.
1996
The German government closes Iran's Defense Industries Organization's operation in Cologne, which was Tehran's main weapons procurement base in Europe. The Germans close the DIO's offices after a tip-off that it was engaged in illegal activities.
—Con Coughlin, "Hong Kong Used as Conduit For Iran Arms Sales," Sunday Telegraph (London), 14 September 1997, p. 27, in Lexis-Nexis, www.lexis-nexis.com.
1996
The Instrumentation Factories Plant (IFP) acquires dual-use technology and materials used for a gyroscope production plant.
—"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 FTS19980605000876, 5 June 1998.
1996
Both Lyongaksan and the Korea Pugang Trading Corporation are sanctioned by the State Department for providing assistance to Iranian missile programs.
—Mark Gorwitz, "Foreign Assistance to Iran's Nuclear and Missile Programs," October 1998, p. 37.
1996
A CIA report states that Iran receives major supplies of long-range missile technology from Russian and Chinese firms.
—Anthony H. Cordesman, Iran and Nuclear Weapons (Washington, DC: Center for Strategic and International Studies, 7 February 2000), p. 39.
1996
Three Russian corporations sign military contracts with the Iranian Defense Industries Organization (DIO). The DIO's Shahid Hemmat Industrial Group (SHIG) concludes contracts totaling approximately $150,000 with the Russian Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute. Plans include building a wind tunnel for missile design, producing model missiles, and writing related computer software. Inor, a Russian scientific center, seeks to sell Iran laser equipment, mirrors, and tungsten-coated graphite material.
—Bill Gertz, "Russia Disregards Pledge to Curb Iran Missile Output," Washington Times, 22 May 1997, p. A3.
1996
Sixteen Iranian undergraduate students were studying engineering and rocketry and several post-graduates were specializing in aerodynamics at the Moscow Aviation Institute. Also in 1996, Vadim Vorobei, now head of the faculty of engine production at the Moscow Aviation Institute, and five other Russian missile experts began lecturing in Tehran. They were eventually joined by dozens of other Russian scientists who specialized in guidance systems, metallurgy, aerodynamics, and turbo engines. Vorobei is an expert on the use of composite materials for producing rockets.
—Michael Dobbs, "Collapse of Soviet Union Proved boon to Iranian Missile Program," Washington Post, 13 January 2002, in Lexis-Nexis, www.lexis-nexis.com.
1996
The Israeli newspaper Maariv reports that North Korea has delivered at least 12 Nodong missiles to Iran. Some Israeli reports also point to the existence of an Iranian 1,000-1,500km-range Zelzal (Earthquake) missile program, developed by the Self-Sufficiency Department of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) with technical assistance from Russia and China.
—"Missile Test Reported," Iran Brief, 5 May 1997, pp. 7-8.
1996
The cooperative military and political relationship between Iran and Syria is quite strong despite the possibility of peace between Syria and Israel. Syria and Iran have coordinated negotiations with North Korea over the sale of the Scud-C missile. Iran and Syria have been receiving Scud-Cs since the early 1990s, with Iran receiving the missile in 1992 and Syria in 1991. Western and Israeli sources say that North Korea and Iran have been collaborating on Scud-C missile assembly plants at two facilities near Aleppo and Hama. Components for the missiles have been shipped to Syria via Iran and test firings were conducted in both countries. In addition, Western intelligence sources suspect that since at least 1993, Iran and Syria have been cooperating to develop cruise missiles, using technology from Europe and Japan. [Note: For more information on the joint Iranian-Syrian cruise missile development program, see entry for 12 November 1993.]
—Steve Rodan, "Iran and Syria: A Stable Alliance Against Israel," Jerusalem Post, 12 April 1996, p. 7, in Lexis-Nexis, www.lexis-nexis.com.
1996
Iran has four or five operational land-based anti-ship missile units, with a total of 50-60 Silkworm missiles, and three-six launchers at each site. The Silkworms are deployed near Chah Bahar, Bandar Abbas, and Khuestak, near the Straits of Hormuz.
—Anthony H. Cordesman, Iran's Evolving Conventional Military Forces, Working Draft (Washington, DC: Center for Strategic and International Studies, 28 February 1996), p. 53.
1996-2000
Vadim Vorobei, a department head at the Moscow Aviation Institute says he and other Russian missile scientists contribute theoretical and scientific knowledge to Iran's missile programs over a five-year period of cooperation between the two countries. Vorobei says that the Russian experts include engineers and a missile guidance specialist, but insist that no secret information was transferred in violation of international agreements. Vorobei claims that Iran's missile programs are not as well developed as Western intelligence sources indicate. Specifically, he points to jet vanes for the guidance system of Iran's Shehab-3 medium-range ballistic missile being unable to withstand intense heat. Shehab-3 jet vanes are coated with graphite, considered a poor substitute for reinforced carbon-carbon or tungsten, which Iran has been unable to acquire. Western intelligence officials say the Shehab-3, with a range of about 800 miles, is a modified version of the North Korean Nodong missile.
—Michael Dobbs, "A Story of Iran's Quest for Power: A Scientist Details The Role of Russia," Washington Post, 13 January 2002, in Lexis-Nexis, www.lexis-nexis.com.
1996
In a 1996/1997 report, it is stated that Iran had around 200 M-7 missiles. It is uncertain whether Iran imported the complete M-7 missile systems or whether it converted the 130 HQ-2 surface-to-air missiles that Iran received from China during the 1980s.
—Bates Gill, "Chinese Arms Exports to Iran," MERIA Journal, Vol. 2, No. 2, May 1998, 8 June 2001, www.biu.ac.il.
6 January 1996
Vice Admiral Scott Redd, commander of the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet, says Iran test-fires a new, Chinese-made anti-ship missile in the northern Arabian Sea. Redd says that Iran adapted "a significant number" of its ships for launching the newly acquired C-802 (YJ-2) anti-ship missile.
—"Naval Commander Warns of Iran Missile," Washington Post, 31 January 1996, p. A10.
6 January 1996
Iran modifies its Kaman-class Combattante II fast-attack craft to carry the C-802 anti-ship missile.
—"Signals, Iran Tests C-802 Anti-Ship Missile," Jane's Navy International, 1 April 1996, www.janesonline.com.
12 January 1996
North Korea is assisting Syria construct a missile factory. "Intelligence sources" believe the factory could be operational by 1998. The report also says that Iran and Syria are cooperating in the production of Scud-C missiles.
—Steve Rodan, "Eye in the Sky," Jerusalem Post, 12 January 1996, p. 14, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, www.lexis-nexis.com.
21 January 1996
The Persepolis joint education center is created as part of a joint agreement between Iranian and Russian institutions. The Russian missile experts who will be teaching the Iranians have been identified as Martischenko, Barbashov, and Alexandrov. The Moscow Aviation Institute appears to be continuing with its training of Iranian engineers and technicians.
—Mark Gorwitz, "Foreign Assistance to Iran's Nuclear and Missile Programs," October 1998, p. 33.
30 January 1996
U.S. Navy Commander Vice Admiral Scott Redd, commander of the U.S. Fifth Fleet, says that Iran's naval forces recently test-fired the Chinese-designed C-802 (YJ-2/CSSC-8 Saccade) cruise missile. The Saccade missile, currently in the development stage, is substantially more advanced than the Silkworm missile. He says this is the first time Iran has had a sea-based anti-ship missile in its arsenal since 1988. Redd declines to say how many of the C-802 missiles Iran has, but that Iran has been modifying a "significant number" of naval patrol boats to make them capable of launching the new missile. The patrol boats are reportedly Houdong fast-patrol boats. He also says that Iran has been adding new sites ashore for surface-to-air and surface-to-surface missile launchers. Iran's activity points to a resurgent Iranian naval force in the Gulf. Redd says that Iran has four shore bases from which to launch anti-ship missiles and is expected to buy a third Kilo diesel submarine and perhaps five more Houdong patrol crafts in 1996. Admiral Redd also states that Iran's test of a short-range, anti-ship missile in the north end of the Persian Gulf is a threat to the region's security. Iran says that the Pentagon's claim that it tested a long-range missile in the northern waters of the Persian Gulf is another unfounded allegation aiming to deflect attention from U.S. interference in the region.
—Robert Burns, "Iran Tests Anti-Ship Missile, Navy Says," Chicago Sun-Times, 30 January 1996, p. 1, in Lexis-Nexis, www.lexis-nexis.com; "Iranian Commentary Calls US Claims of Missile Test 'Propaganda'," Voice of the Islamic Republic of Iran (Tehran), 31 January 1996; in FBIS Document FTS19960131000346, 31 January 1996; Reuters, "US sees threat to Gulf shipping from Iran missiles," Financial Times (London), 31 January 1996, p. 8, in Lexis-Nexis, www.lexis-nexis.com.
February 1996
Asian-based intelligence sources say China is helping Iran develop the Karus, which may be a modified or a license-built version of China's C-801/-802 surface-to-surface cruise missile. New information suggests that the test-fired C-802 launched this month is more likely the co-developed Karus missile.
—"China helping Iranian missile developments," Jane's Defence Weekly, 17 July 1996, p. 13, in Lexis-Nexis, www.lexis-nexis.com.
27 February 1996
Yevhen Mykytenko, head of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry's Middle East department, says that Ukraine is abiding by all nonproliferation agreements and has not exported missile technology to Iran.
—Pavlia, Halia Intelnews (Kiev) 27 February 1996, FBIS-SOV-96-039, 27 February 1996, in Nonproliferation Review, Vol. 4., No. 1, Fall 1996, James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies, 1996, p. 162.
27 February 1996
North Korea might have sold the Nodong-1 missile to Iran, and the two countries might have discussed the possibility of cooperating on the construction of a Nodong production plant in Iran. Furthermore, Jane's says that North Korea completed the development of the Nodong and its mobile launcher in 1995.
—"Headline News Puk 'T'ando Missile Nodong 1 Ho' Iran'e P'anmae," Joongang Ilbo, 29 February 1996, www.joins.com.
28 February 1996
The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) is the main operator of Iran's land-based surface-to-surface missiles. The official Iranian Army commands a variety of other missiles and rockets. Iran has 880-890 multiple rocket launchers (MRLs), including the 240mm M-1989, 700 Chinese Type 63 107mm launchers, 100 Soviet BM-21, and 5 Soviet BM-11 launchers. Iran has made at least 50 MRLs, including the 122mm, 40-round Hadid rocket launcher system. They are currently producing the Arash and Noor rockets, variants of Russian and Chinese 122mm rockets, and the Fajer and Haseb, which are versions of a Chinese 107mm rocket. Some of these rockets have chemical warheads. The Iranian Army is also responsible for the Shahin, Oghab, and Nazeat long-range rockets. The Shahin-1 is a 333mm unguided artillery rocket with a solid-fueled motor, with a range up to 13km. The Shahin-2 has a range of 20km with a 190kg warhead. The Oghab is a 320mm unguided artillery rocket with a range of 34km and may have a chemical warhead. Iran has two versions of the Nazeat: a transporter-erector launcher (TEL) launched system apparently based on Chinese technology, using a solid-fueled engine; and a simple inertial guidance system. The 355.6mm version reaches a range of 105km with a 150kg warhead. The 450mm version has a range of 130-150km with a 250kg warhead. Iran's air defense system includes nine surface-to-air missile sites, but many of the sites do not have sufficient launchers to be effective. The Air Force is in control of three SA-5 units, with a total of 10-15 launchers protecting Tehran, ports, and major oil facilities. Iran is reportedly trying to purchase three more batteries of SA-5 missiles from the former Soviet Union. Both Russia and China have provided Iran with surface-to-air missiles and sensors, Cordesman advances "they scarcely give Iran a modern integrated air defense system that can resist attack by a power like the US." The IRGC operates the Chinese-supplied Silkworm surface-to-ship missile, which has a range of 80-90km. Iran has at least five land-based anti-ship missile units, including four sites operating Silkworm missiles, and at least one site using the Chinese C-801 anti-ship and ship-to-ship missiles. Iran has at least 60-100 Chinese supplied C-801 (YF-6) missiles.
—Anthony H. Cordesman, Iran's Evolving Conventional Military Forces, Working Draft (Washington, DC: Center for Strategic and International Studies, 28 February 1996), pp. 29-31.
March 1996
Vice Admiral John S. Redd, commander of U.S. Naval forces attached to the Central Command, warns that over the past 18 months, Iran has tripled the number of surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missile (SSM and SAM) sites. These are believed to include SA-5 batteries guarding coastal installations. The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has SSM batteries on Qeshm and Sirri islands in the Strait of Hormuz. The Iranians are also reported to have installed HAWK SAMs on Abu Musa. Redd states that Iran has approximately 25 vessels capable of carrying SSMs.
—Barbara Starr, "Iran adds new threat with cruise missile test," Jane's Defence Weekly, 7 February 1996, p. 14, in Lexis-Nexis, www.lexis-nexis.com; "USA warns of Iranian naval buildup," Jane's Defence Weekly, 27 March 1996, p. 14, in Lexis-Nexis, www.lexis-nexis.com.
2 March 1996
British Customs officials seize a 50kg shipment of maraging steel in Birmingham, United Kingdom and arrest Ali Asghar Manzapouri, an Iranian. The special steel shipment was en route to Iran from the United States.
—"Nuclear Smuggling Thwarted By Customs," Iran Brief, 9 September 1996, p. 2.
7 March 1996
U.S. Arms Control and Disarmament Agency Director John Holum says the U.S. government is considering economic sanctions on China for the sale of an unknown number of C-802 anti-ship cruise missiles to Iran.
—Bill Gertz, "US Mulls Sanctions On China For Arms Sales to Pakistan, Iran," Washington Times, 8 March 1996, p. A8.
13 April 1996
Iran conducts five days of naval exercises between the island of Jazireh-e Khark and Bushehr in the Persian Gulf using missile-launching frigates and "anti-surface air-to-sea air units." The Salman-1 of 75 (Iranian year 1375) exercise is scheduled to end on 17 April, Iran's Army Day.
—"Iran: Further Details on Naval Exercise in Persian Gulf," Voice of the Islamic Republic of Iran First Program (Tehran), 13 April 1996; in FBIS Document FBIS-NES-96-074, 13 April 1996.
13 April 1996
Iran delivers between 500 and 900 Katyusha rockets to Lebanon-based Hezbollah guerillas via the Damascus Airport in Syria.
—"Iran Resumes Arms Shipments to Hezbollah," Iran Brief, 6 May 1996, p. 7.
16 April 1996
After Iran's Sanam Group asks Russia's Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute (TsAGI) to work together on missile research, TsAGI tells them to contact Rosvooruzheniye because they "did not have the authority to conduct official negotiations."
—Ivan Safranchuk, ed. by Dmitriy Yevstafyev, "Scientific Notes No. 8: The Nuclear and Missile Programs of Iran and Russian Security – The Framework of Russian-Iranian Collaboration," Nauchnyye Zapiski (Moscow), 5 May 1999, Vol. 8, pp. 1-36; in "Russia, Iran Nuclear Program Cooperation," FBIS Document FTS19990701001333, 1 July 1999.
17 April 1996
North Korea may have suspended its Nodong-1 program for technical and financial reasons. However, other analysts say that Nodongs are in the early stage of production and that North Korea may have as many as 60 Nodongs ready for use, and that 20 Nodongs may have already been exported to Iran. North Korea continues to develop the long-range Taepodong-1 (Paektusan-1) and Taepodong-2 missiles, with the first test for the Taepodong-1 (Paektusan-1) expected in 1997.
—Lennox Duncan, "Ballistic Missiles," Jane's Defence Weekly, 17 April 1996, pp. 40, 43-44.
22 April 1996
Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres says that the Iranian missiles seized in Germany and Belgium are supposed to be used against European and Jewish targets in Europe. He adds that the missiles were shipped on board a cargo ship transporting spices to Europe.
—Shimon Schiffer, Yediot Aharonot (Tel Aviv), 22 April 1996; in "Peres Discloses Iranian Missile Shipment Seized in Brussels," FBIS Document FTS19960422000724, 22 April 1996.
25 April 1996
A secret service (SS) agent of the U.S. treasury department says that North Korea has received high-performance printing presses from Iran in exchange for air warplanes and missiles including the Nodong and the Taepodong.
—Pak Yong-ki, Hanguk Ilbo (Seoul), 25 April 1996; in "DPRK Reportedly Imports Counterfeiting Technology From Iran," FBIS Document FTS19960425000250, 25 April 1996.
29 April 1996
U.S. Navy Captain Mark D. Neuhart, a spokesman for the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirms a report that appeared in Jane's Defence Weekly alleging that Iran was building tunnels along its Persian Gulf coast, apparently as protective storage sites for ballistic missiles. Neuhart says that there is no evidence yet of missiles in the tunnels, but that they appear to be for protective storage rather than launch sites. He states that he cannot discuss more specific details about the tunnels, but calls the project part of Iran's defense modernization effort. [Note: Please note that the entry referencing the Jane's Defence Weekly article is under the publication date 1 May 1996. It would appear that the magazine was publicly available before the printed publication date. The chronology does not reflect that.]
—Associated Press, "Iran Building Tunnels for Missiles, US Says," New York Times, 30 April 1996, p. A6, in Lexis-Nexis, www.lexis-nexis.com.
May 1996
A Hong Kong journal article reviewing the development of China's missile force says that the M-18 missile was reportedly developed in conjunction with Iran. The article lists the range as 1,000km with a 400kg payload.
—Huang Tung, "China's Missile Progress," Kung Chiao Ching (Hong Kong), 16 May 1996; in "Journal Reviews Development of Missile Force," FBIS Document FTS19960516000019, 16 May 1996.
May 1996
Iran launches the M-9 variant missile.
—"Iran," Jane's Defence Weekly, 10 March 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, www.lexis-nexis.com.
May 1996
Col. Parviz Qowsi, the commander of the Iranian "Raad" naval exercises, says that anti-ship missiles and the new Tondar missile were fired from the northern Persian Gulf during naval exercises. The only Iranian missile by that name known to Western experts is the Tondar-68, a ballistic missile with a reported range of 700km, which Tehran said it was developing several years ago. The Tondar-68 project was assisted by China and North Korea. It is possible that the Tondar may be a modified Chinese C-801 or C-802 missile.
—James Bruce, "Iran's long-range Tondar causes concern in West," Jane's Defence Weekly, 22 May 1996, p. 17, in Lexis-Nexis, www.lexis-nexis.com.
1 May 1996
General Binford Peay, commander in chief of the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), states that Iran has been constructing tunnels capable of housing long-range ballistic missiles along its Persian Gulf coastline.
—Barbara Starr, "Iran's Tunnels Are Missile Sites, Says USA," Jane's Defence Weekly, 1 May 1996, p. 3.
1 May 1996
Secret Argentinean government decrees are disclosed and reveal that the Raul Alfonsin government sold most of its arms to Iran from 1984-1987, at which time it was not under sanctions. Argentina did so to support Iran during its war with Iraq. The sales are valued at $50 million and included Pampero short-range tactical missiles among other artillery.
—"The Business Deals of the Radicals and the Peronists: Iran and Croatia the Preferred Clients," Clarin (Buenos Aires), 2 May 1996, p. 6; in "Argentina: Arms Sales Decrees Under Menem, Alfonsin Listed," FBIS Document FBIS-LAT-96-093, 2 May 1996.
2 May 1996
Pentagon spokesman Navy Commander Joe March says that the Pentagon believes the tunnels along Iran's Persian Gulf coast are intended for long-range missiles. March states, "We have limited information about construction along Iran's southwest coast, which may be used for storage or deployment facilities for missile or missile-related activity." The Pentagon does not say that Iran already possesses long-range missiles that could be fired from the tunnels. Iran failed in an attempt to buy missiles from North Korea earlier in 1996 because the two governments could not agree on a price. Iranian officials deny that they are "up to anything."
—Stanley Meisler, "US Suspects Arms Use for Iran Tunnels; Military: Pentagon Says Long-Range Missiles May be Stored There But Tehran Denies Such Plans," Los Angeles Times, 3 May 1996, p. A4, in Lexis-Nexis, www.lexis-nexis.com.
3 May 1996
Information surfaces alleging Iran may have sold Croatia surface-to-surface rocket systems. There is contention regarding the origin of such rockets. As Iran does not manufacture them, it might have sold part of its arsenal or simply transferred these weapons from a third country to Croatia.
—Mario Galic, "Chinese Rockets for the Croatian Army?," Nedjeldjna Dalmacija (Split), 3 May 1996; in "Rumors on PRC Rockets, Iran Involvement Viewed," FBIS Document FTS19960503000272, 3 May 1996.
6 May 1996
An unnamed source in Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) states that the IRGC acquired "at least" three Iraqi Al-Hussein surface-to-surface missiles (SSMs) after the 1990-1991 Gulf War. Iran reportedly uses the SSMs to enhance production, training, and research at the IRGC Land Force Missile & Artillery Training Center in Isfahan. Iran's Defense Industries Organization and the IRGC Self-Sufficiency Department use the center for research and production purposes, while the IRGC Land Force and Air Force train SSM and surface-to-air (SAM) crews at the Center. Two Russian missile experts and 10 Chinese artillery experts are employed as instructors at the Center. In addition to the missiles, Iranian military intelligence reportedly transported documents pertaining to the missiles out of Iraq.
—"Iran Studies Iraqi Missiles," Iran Brief, 6 May 1996, p. 1.
12 May 1996
During naval exercises in the northern Persian Gulf, Iran tests a new type of long-range missile, which it identifies only as "Tondar." The Iran News daily quoted Col. Parviz Qowsi, the exercise commander, as saying that it was the first time anti-ship missiles and the Tondar were fired from sites this far north inside the Gulf. The report gave no additional information about the Tondar missile. Jane's suggests that since the Tondar was deployed during naval exercises, it would seem that the missile was an anti-ship missile fired from coastal batteries. The only Iranian missile to date known to Western experts by the name Tondar is the Tondar-68, a ballistic missile with a reported range of approximately 700km. That project was assisted by China and North Korea. Jane's suggests the possibility that the Tondar may be a modified Chinese C-801 Sardine anti-ship missile (JY-1, Silver Sword) or a more advanced C-802 (JY-2, Silver Sword). Iran has been seeking to extend the range of their C-801s for some time. North Korea recently test-fired an extended-range C-801 and is supposedly developing the long-range Nodong-2 missile with Iranian funding. Iran has recently conducted several naval maneuvers in the northern Persian Gulf, the last such exercise was a four-day exercise in December 1995, called "Raad" (Thunder). [Note: It is entirely possible that the missile tested here was named after the December exercise and has no relation to the missile program called Tondar-68. Please refer to the note on "Iran's Missile Names."]
—James Bruce, "Iran's Long-Range Tondar Causes Concern in West," Jane's Defence Weekly, 22 May 1996, p. 17.
13 May 1996
Iran announces that it tested a new missile called the Tondar, which it claims to have produced indigenously. The Tondar is thought to be a land-based anti-ship missile. Brig. General Ahmad Dadbin, commander of Iran's land forces, says Iran has "achieved the technology of missile production."
—James Bruce, "Iran Warns USA to 'Think Twice' About an Attack," Jane's Defence Weekly, 12 June 1996, p. 27.
14 May 1996
Rocket and missile launching units of the Second Sea Zone of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) conclude the second phase of four-day marine maneuvers in the northern Persian Gulf. Admiral Husayn Kargar, commander of the IRGC's marine forces in the Second Sea Zone, states that the units successfully executed their maneuvers between Bushehr and Kharg Island.
—"Iran: Second Phase of Marine Maneuvers Successfully Accomplished," IRNA (Tehran), 14 May 1996; in FBIS Document FBIS-NES-96-095, 14 May 1996; "Iran Fires Anti-Ship Missiles in Gulf War Games," Reuters, 14 May 1996; in Executive News Service, 15 May 1996.
15 May 1996
The English daily newspaper Iran News reports that Brig. General Ahmad Dadbin, commander of Iran's ground forces, said his country indigenously produces "sophisticated weapons such as ground-to-ground missiles." Dadbin also said that the Iranian Army is "in a position to export arms."
—"Iran: Ground Forces Commander On Weapons Manufacture, Export," IRNA (Tehran), 15 May 1996; in FBIS Document FBIS-NES-96-095, 15 May 1996.
16 May 1996
A report states that the M-18 was developed with the Iranians. It has a range of 1,000km and a payload of 400kg.
—Huang Tung, "China's Missile Progress," Kuang Chiao Ching (Hong Kong), 16 May 1996; in "Journal Reviews Development of Missile Force," in FBIS Document FTS19960516000019, 16 May 1996.
23-24 May 1996
Iran conducts the Velayat (Guardianship) military exercise involving 200,000 troops and hundreds of tanks in the Koush-e Nosrat desert south of Tehran. The commander of the exercise, General Hadi Golestaneh, says missile, artillery, engineering, and communications units are taking part in the maneuvers. The exercise coincides with a warning by General Binford Peay, commander of the U.S. Central Command, that Iran is expected to increase the range of its surface-to-surface missiles (SSMs) to make them capable of reaching targets in Europe.
—"200,000 Troops in Region's Biggest-Ever Manoevers," Jane's Defence Weekly, 5 June 1996, p. 15.
24 May 1996
The United States imposes sanctions on North Korea and Iran for violation of the U.S. Arms Export Control Act and the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR). The sanctions, effective 24 May 1996, prohibit U.S. companies from engaging in missile-technology related exports, or contracts to export with Changgwang Shinyong Company of North Korea, and with the Ministry of Defense Armed Forces Logistics and the State Purchasing Office of Iran.
—Federal Register, Vol. 61, No. 114, 12 June 1996, p. 29785.
June 1996
The U.S. Department of State imposes sanctions on North Korea's Changgwang Sinyong Corporation (also known as the North Korea Mining Development Trading Corporation/Bureau) for providing Iran with missiles and related technology and components in the mid 1990s. The Iranian Ministry of Defense Armed Forces Logistics and State Purchasing Office are also placed under sanctions.
—Joseph S. Bermudez, Jr., "A History of Ballistic Missile Development in the DPRK," Occasional Paper No. 2, James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies, November 1999, p. 25.
June 1996
An Iranian military delegation secretly visits Pyongyang to negotiate a contract for the purchase of North Korean missiles. Iranian Defense Minister Mohammed Foruzandeh later leads a delegation to Pyongyang on 31 August 1996 to sign the agreement.
—Lee Yŏng Chong, "Pukhan-Iran Kunsa'ŭijŏngsŏ Sŏ'myŏng," Joongang Ilbo, 3 September 1996, in KINDS, www.kinds.or.kr.
3 June 1996
Anonymous Iranian sources state that France has agreed to sell "a small number" of Exocet anti-ship missiles to Iran.
—"French Said to Supply Exocets," Iran Brief, 3 June 1996, p. 8.
19 June 1996
Morteza Muhammed Khan, Iran's minister of economic affairs and finance, and Anatoly Kinakh, the Ukrainian deputy prime minister, sign a cooperation agreement between their respective countries. It should be noted that Ukraine has provided Iran with assistance in the fields of electronics, satellite technology, rocket manufacture, transportation, metallurgy, and mineral extraction.
—Current Digest of the Post-Soviet Press, 19 June 1996, p. 26; Nonproliferation Review, Vol. 4, No. 1, Fall 1996, James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies, p. 162.
20 June 1996
Tokyo district court has ordered a former executive from Japan Avionics Electronics Industry to pay ¥1.25 billion for exporting illegal missile components to Iranian 1991.
—Kyodo (Tokyo), 20 June 1996, in FBIS-EAS-96-121, 20 June 1996; in Nonproliferation Review, Vol. 4, No. 1, Fall 1996, James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies, p. 162.
25 June 1996
President Rafsanjani chaired a meeting of the supreme economic council during which it was decided that Iran imports 7.3 billion rials worth of navigation control units, equipment for ground based-fight control radar stations, and laboratory equipment.
—IRIB Television First Program Network (Tehran), 25 June 1996, in FBIS-NES-69-125, 6 June 1996 (6239); in Nonproliferation Review, Vol. 4, No. 1, Fall 1996, James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies, p. 161.
30 June 1996
Naval forces from the Iranian Army and the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) initiate the Falaq-5 missile maneuvers in the Persian Gulf. The exercises involve "missile sites of the Khatam al-Anbia headquarters as well as missile units of the naval forces of the army and IRGC."
—"Iran: 4-Day Naval Exercises Began in Persian Gulf," IRNA (Tehran), 30 June 1996; in FBIS Document FBIS-NES-96-129, 30 June 1996.
July 1996
Asian-based intelligence sources say China is helping Iran develop two new anti-ship missiles for domestic production. The first, known in Iran as the Karus, may be a modified or a license-built version of China's C-801/-802 surface-to-surface cruise missile. [Note: See entry for February 1996.] Iran is also producing a medium-range anti-ship missile known as the FL-10, which is believed to be a copy of China's FL-2 or FL-7 missile. Chinese technicians are thought to be in Iran as advisors supporting local development of the F-10, which is in its early stages.
—"China helping Iranian missile developments," Jane's Defence Weekly, 17 July 1996, p. 13, in Lexis-Nexis, www.lexis-nexis.com.
3 July 1996
The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps' (IRGC) Navy and Army missile maneuvers, Falaqh-5, end successfully. In the third and last stage of these maneuvers, installations of missile pads and the hypothetical firing of two missiles against intercepted targets are carried out successfully. Missile sites of the Khatam ul-Anbia headquarters as well as missile units of the naval forces of the IRGC army have taken part in this war exercise.
—"Missile Maneuver Ends in Persian Gulf," IRNA (Tehran), 3 July 1996; in FBIS Document FTS19960703000398, 3 July 1996.
9 July 1996
Israeli Army Chief of Staff Lt. General Amnon Shahak tells the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee of the Israeli parliament that Hezbollah guerillas in southern Lebanon are receiving missiles from Iran with a "larger explosive device than the standard Katyusha rockets" that the group has been using against Israel. He also says that earlier in 1996, Iran had transferred five Scud-B missiles to the Hezbollah in Lebanon via Syria.
—"Iran Transfers Missiles to Hezbollah," Iran Brief, 5 August 1996, p. 1.
11 July 1996
North Korea has exported 370 missiles since July 1987. Between July 1987 and February 1988, North Korea exported about 100 Scud-B missiles for the first time. Beginning in 1991, North Korea exported about 100 Scud-C missiles to Iran. Total missiles exports to Iran, Syria, and Libya have totaled 370. North Korea is also supporting the construction of missile assembly plants in Libya, Iran, and Syria. North Korea is also planning to export the Nodong-1 to countries in the Middle East.
—"Pukhanjae Scud Missile 3 Paek 70 Ki Arab Such'ul," Taehan Maeil, 12 July 1996, www.kdaily.com; "Scud Missile 370 Yŏdae Pukhan, Chungdongjiyŏge Such'ul," Joongang Ilbo, 12 July 1996, www.joins.com.
August 1996
The China Precision Engineering Institute (China National Precision Machinery Import & Export Corp.) and "an arm of" Iran's Defense Industries Organization reach an agreement for the sale of missile components after two years of negotiation. [Note: See entry on 2 October 1996 for more information on the CIA report.]
—Bill Gertz, "China Sold Iran Missile Technology," Washington Times, 21 November 1996, p. A1.
August 1996
Israeli military attaché in Washington, DC, Maj. General Zeev Livne, says that Iran successfully tests the engines of its new long-range missile with a 1,300km range.
—Yerah Tal, "IDF Attaché—'Not too Late' to Stop Iranian Missile Plans," Haaretz (Tel Aviv), 7 October 1997, p. 1; in FBIS Document FTS1997100700459, 7 October 1997.
13 August 1996
Israel's Chief of Staff Lt. General Amnon Shahak informs the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee of the Israeli parliament that Hezbollah guerillas in southern Lebanon may possess as many as 1,000 unguided rockets, most of which were airlifted from Iran via Damascus Airport in Syria. Thirty of the rockets are reported to be Iranian-produced 240mm-caliber models with a range of 40km.
—James Bruce, "Israel: Hezbollah Could Have 240mm Rockets," Jane's Defence Weekly, 21 August 1996, p. 3.
31 August 1996
Iranian Defense Minister Mohammed Foruzandeh and his delegation arrive in Pyongyang to sign a military cooperative agreement and to discuss the procurement of North Korean missiles and other weapons. The agreement covers North Korean exports of missiles and the provision of missile technology to Iran, as well as the testing of North Korean-produced missiles in Iran.
—Lee Yŏng Chong, "Pukhan-Iran Kunsa'ŭijŏngsŏ Sŏ'myŏng," Joongang Ilbo, 3 September 1996, in KINDS, www.kinds.or.kr; Chang Chun Ik, Pukhan Haek-Missile Chŏnjaeng (Seoul: Sŏmundang, May 1999), p. 291.
Late August 1996
Iranian Defense Minister Mohammed Forouzandeh and senior military officials meet with Chinese Defense Minister Chi Haotian and Communist Party leader Jiang Zemin in Beijing to discuss defense cooperation. Iran and China will initial an agreement worth $4.5 billion for combat aircraft, surface-to-surface missiles, missile launchers, and warships. It is not known what type of missile system Iran will receive. Iran will pay for the military acquisitions over five years with cash and oil.
—James Bruce, "Iran and China in $4.5 billion partnership," Jane's Defence Weekly, 11 September 1996, p. 3, in Lexis-Nexis, www.lexis-nexis.com.
September 1996
An Iranian ship is carrying explosives and arms to Libya in violation of UN sanctions. The Iran Ershad reportedly sails around the Cape of Good Hope rather than the Suez Canal. The unnamed diplomat suggests that the cargo is likely missile-related.
—"UN Decision on Sanctions a Blow to Libyan Efforts," Reuters, 15 November 1996; in Executive News Service, 15 November 1996.
September 1996
Western experts believe that Iran is supplying the Lebanese Hezbollah with Iran's indigenously developed 240mm artillery rocket with a range in excess of 40km. Parchin Missile Industries Division of the Defense Industries Organization (DIO) developed and placed the unguided multiple rocket system, Fadjr-3, in production. The Fadjr-3 is one of a family of unguided solid-propellant surface-to-surface missile (SSM) rockets. The system obtained by Hezbollah was initially thought to be North Korean. The Fadjr has identical caliber, range, and warhead weights to that of the North Korean system.
—Christopher F. Foss, "Iran develops artillery rocket with 40km range," Jane's Defence Weekly, 6 November 1996, p. 23, in Lexis-Nexis, www.lexis-nexis.com.
3 September 1996
Iran affirms that an agreement has been concluded with China regarding the acquisition of "heavy and light arms." Unconfirmed reports state that the deal includes missile launchers, missiles, and other equipment. Iranian Defense Minister Mohammad Foruzandeh meets with Minister of Defense Chi Haotian in China to conclude the agreement.
—"Iran Confirms Contract with China for Weapons," Washington Times, 4 September 1996, p. A12.
9 September 1996
Iran launches a program to develop a new ballistic missile called Zelzal-3 (Earthquake), which is capable of striking Israel and the Arab Gulf states. The new missile is reportedly based upon technology obtained from Russia, China, North Korea, and Germany, but is being designed by the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) engineers to meet specific Iranian requirements.
—"Special Report: The Zelal Missile Program," Iran Brief, 9 September 1996, pp. 1-2.
9 September 1996
Iran is placing some of its Chinese C-802s at military sites on Kishm Island in the Straits of Hormuz.
—United Press International, 9 September 1996.; Harold Hough, "Iran targets the Arabian peninsula," Jane's Intelligence Review, 1 October 1996, p. 458.
12 September 1996
Seth Carus, an analyst at the Center for Naval Analyses in the United States, reports to the U.S. House International Relations Committee that Iran has been working to expand its naval inventory to pose a "layered threat" to U.S. and allied forces in the Persian Gulf. Carus says that Iran's purchases of C-802 anti-ship missiles, EM52 anti-ship mines, Hudong missile patrol boats, and Russian Kilo-class submarines support his conclusion.
—Philip Finnegan and Robert Holzer, "US Confronts Middle East Challenges," Defense News, 16 September 1996, p. 3.
21 September 1996
The Iranian Air Force, presumably of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps, stages 25 military exercises using tactical and operational flights as well as defense exercises and operations involving the firing of ground-to-ground missiles.
—"IRGC Deputy Commander on Planned Military Exercise," Voice of the Islamic Republic of Iran First Program Network (Tehran), 21 September 1996; in FBIS Document FTS19960921000296, 21 September 1996.
25 September 1996
South Korea's National Unification Board submits a report to the National Assembly saying that North Korea can produce approximately 100 Scud-B and Scud-C missiles annually, and has exported approximately 400 missiles to Iran and Syria. The report also says that North Korea has also been transferring missile production plants and missile technology to Iran and Syria. Between 1980 and 1993, arms exports accounted for approximately 30% of all North Korean exports. North Korea's missile exports are valued at about $500 million annually.
—Yonhap News Agency (Seoul), 25 September 1996, in "Scud Missiles Reportedly Being Exported to Iran and Syria," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 26 September 1996, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, www.lexis-nexis.com; Kyodo News Service, "N. Korea Said Capable of Making 100 Missiles a Year," Japan Economic Newswire, 25 September 1996, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, www.lexis-nexis.com; Kim Yŏn Kwang, "Puk, Yŏn'gan Scud Paekki Saengsan/Kukkam Charyo," Chosun Ilbo, 26 September 1996, p. 2, in KINDS, www.kinds.or.kr; Kang Yŏng Chin, "Puk Missile Nyŏn 100 Yŏgi Saengsan Nŭngnyŏk," Joongang Ilbo, 26 September 1996, p. 15, in KINDS, www.kinds.or.kr; O Il man, "Puk, 'Scud' Yŏn 1 Paekki Saengsan/T'ongilwŏn Kukkamjaryo," Taehan Maeil, 26 September 1996, p. 2, in KINDS, www.kinds.or.kr; Lee Dae Kun, "Puk Scud Missile Yŏn 1 Paeg'yŏgi Saengsannŭngnyŏk/Iran Tŭng'e 4 Paekki Such'ul," Kyunghyang Shinmun, 26 September 1996, p. 2, in KINDS, www.kinds.or.kr; Cho Min Ho, "Puk, Missile Yŏn 100 Ki Saengsannŭngnyŏk/Arapchiyŏk 4 Paekki Such'ul/T'ongilwŏn Charyo," Segye Ilbo, 26 September 1996, p. 2, in KINDS, www.kinds.or.kr; Lee Hŭng U, "Scud B-C Hyŏng Missile Puk Yŏn 1 Paekki Saengsan'ganŭng/T'ongilwŏn," Kukmin Ilbo, 25 September 1996, p. 2. in KINDS, www.kinds.or.kr.
29 September 1996
Major General Ali Shabazi Zolqadr, Iranian Army chief of staff, says that Iran is equipped with the most modern of weapons, including tanks, cannons, planes, missiles, gunboats, and submarines.
—"The Armed Forces Are Prepared For Any Eventuality," Kayhan International (Tehran), 29 September 1996; in "Paper Interviews Army Chief on Military Preparedness," in FBIS Document FTS19960929000305, 29 September 1996.
October 1996
U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency says that North Korea cancels plans to sell 150 Nodong-1 ballistic missiles to Iran. The United States has been trying to prevent North Korea from selling the 1,000km-range missiles. Tehran reportedly fails to make payments for the missiles. Pyongyang reportedly agreed to the deal in 1993, and Iran has evidently not acquired a significant number of the missiles. Since the failed deal, Iran has been expanding its programs to develop its own missile capabilities. This includes seeking Russian assistance with guidance systems, engines, advanced materials, electronics, testing equipment, and other technical systems that could not be produced indigenously.
—"Iranian missile deal with N Korea falters," Flight International, 23-29 October 1996, p. 17; Stuart D. Goldman, Kenneth Katzman, Robert D. Shuey, and Carl E. Behrens, "Russian Missile Technology and Nuclear Reactor Transfers to Iran," CRS Report for Congress, 29 July 1998, p. 5.
2 October 1996
A top-secret CIA document entitled "Arms Transfers to State Sponsors of Terrorism" reports that China sold Iran missile technology and components, specifically gyroscopes, accelerometers, and test equipment. The document also reveals that after two years of negotiation, the China Precision Engineering Institute (China National Precision Machinery Import & Export Corp.) and "an arm of" Iran's Defense Industries Organization reached an agreement in August 1996 for the sale of missile components.
—Bill Gertz, "China Sold Iran Missile Technology," Washington Times, 21 November 1996, p. A1.
16 October 1996
Jiji Press and NHK Television in Japan report that North Korea is planning to test-launch a 1,000km-range missile in the Sea of Japan. Military representatives from Iran are present at the launch site to observe the missile's performance prior to purchase. North Korea has sent a frigate to the Sea of Japan for the test. The United States responded by sending an RC-135 reconnaissance aircraft to monitor the test, and Japan sent an escort ship to monitor the missile in its terminal phase. However, the flight-test was cancelled.
—"North Korea Preparing Test-Fire Missile: Sources," Agence France Presse, 16 October 1996, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, www.lexis-nexis.com; "North Korea Preparing Test-Launch of Missile over Sea of Japan: NHK," Agence France Presse, 16 October 1996, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, www.lexis-nexis.com; "N. Korea Plans Missile Test Near Japan," Jiji Press Ticket Service, 16 October 1996, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, www.lexis-nexis.com; Joseph S. Bermudez, Jr., "A History of Ballistic Missile Development in the DPRK," Occasional Paper No. 2, James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies, November 1999, p. 22; "[Puk Rodong 1 Ho] Il, Howiham 1 Ch'ŏk P'a'gyŏn," Chosun Ilbo, 20 October 1996, www.chosun.com; "'Puk Nodong 1 Ho Palsashilhŏm Chunbi'—Mi-Il Soshikt'ong," Taehan Maeil, 17 October 1996, www.kdaily.com; Joseph S. Bermudez, Jr., "N Korea Set for More Ballistic Missile Tests," Jane's Defence Weekly, 23 October 1996, p. 5.
17 October 1996
North Korea produces four-six Scud-C missiles per month and exports them to Middle Eastern countries such as Libya, Iran, and Syria. Missile exports are said to be an important source of foreign exchange for North Korea.
—"Puk Scud C Hyŏng Missile Wŏl 4-6 Kae Chungdong Such'ul," Taehan Maeil, 18 October 1996, www.kdaily.com.
November 1996
A 240mm missile with a range of more than 40km is tested during the 10-day "Victory-7" military exercises. [Note: The article most likely is refering to the Fajr-3 missile.]
—"40-K1-Range Missile Reaches Production Stage," Saff (Tehran), No 202, Feb-Mar 97, 1 February 1997, p. 22; in FBIS Document FTS19970615000841, 15 June 1997.
November 1996
The Iranian Navy tests a Chinese-made C-802 anti-ship missile from a Hudong fast-attack craft (FAC) during military exercises in the southern Persian Gulf near the Strait of Hormuz. Iran will probably equip up to 20 FACs with Chinese-supplied C-802 missiles.
—"Iran Tests Chinese Missile," Reuters, 9 December 1996; in Executive News Service, 9 December 1996; "Iran Test-Fires Anti-Ship Missile: Report," Khaleej Times (Saudi Arabia), 9 December 1996, p. 1; James Bruce, "Iranians Test-Fire C-802 Anti-Ship Cruise Missile," Jane's Defence Weekly, 8 January 1997, p. 13.
6 November 1996
Iran has developed a 40km-range, 240mm-caliber multiple rocket system called the Fajr-3. The Fajr-3 uses a solid propellant and was developed by the Parchin Missile Industries Division of the Iranian Defense Industries Organization (DIO).
—Christopher F. Foss, "Iran Develops Artillery Rocket with 40km Range," Jane's Defense Weekly, 6 November 1996, p. 23.
6 November 1996
Western experts believe that Hezbollah guerillas in southern Lebanon were using the Iranian Fajr-3 rocket against Israeli and militia ally forces.
—Associated Press, 6 November 1996; in "IV Quarter 1996: November," Gulf/2000 Project (New York: School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA), Columbia University, November 1996); "Hezbollah Believed to Have Missile," Phoenix Gazette, 6 November 1996, p. A13, in Lexis-Nexis, www.lexis-nexis.com.
27 November 1996
The Piruzi-7 (Victory-7) military exercises are held in the Blue Persian Waters. They include missile maneuvers, canon bearing, and rocket launching destroyers.
—"Main Phase of Victory-7 Maneuvers Staged in Persian Gulf," IRIB Television First Program Network (Tehran), 27 November 1996; in FBIS Document FTS19961127000644, 27 November 1996.
27 November 1996
A fighter plane fired an air-to-sea missile called Piroozi-75 (Victory) for the first time during a major military exercise in the Persian Gulf. A locally built rocket launcher called Tondar (Thunder) was also tested. An Iranian Navy official states that the Tondar was "totally designed by Iranian experts and manufactured based on advanced systems such as mobile defense and electronic warfare systems."
—Reuters, 27 November 1996; in "IV Quarter 1996: November," Gulf/2000 Project (New York: School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA), Columbia University, November 1996).
1 December 1996
Iran announces that it has assembled missile launchers and that they were presented in a recent military exercise, Piruzi-7 (Victory-7). The exercise included the launching of two missiles: an air-to-sea missile called Pirooz and a refined version of the Chinese silkworm missile with a range of 145km.
—Eytan Rabin, Haaretz (Tel Aviv), 1 December 1996; in "Analysts 'Very Concerned' with Iran's Military Moves, Deals," in FBIS Document FTS19961201000267, 1 December 1996.
4 December 1996
An Iranian fighter aircraft launched an advanced air-to-sea missile during the Piruzi-75 (Victory-75) military exercises in the Persian Gulf. The missile has a reported range of 145km and includes electronic countermeasures. The last time an Iranian aircraft fired such a missile was during the 1980-1988 Iran-Iraq War, when Tehran fired the last of its U.S.-supplied Harpoon anti-ship missiles from its F-14 aircraft. IRNA reports an Iranian naval official as saying that Iran tested an Iranian-built ballistic missile called the Tondar during the exercises. The Iranian Navy states that the Tondar missile was designed by Iranian experts and "manufactured based on advanced systems such as mobile defense and electronic warfare systems." Joseph Bermudez, Jr., a specialist on Chinese-Iranian military cooperation, believes that Iran developed the Tondar-68 with assistance from China. The Tondar-68 has a range of more than 1,000km and was first test-fired by the Iranians in March 1991 at the Salt Desert Test range near Shahroud.
—"Improved Silkworm Test-Fired," Iran Brief, 5 December 1996, pp. 7-8.
9 December 1996
U.S. Secretary of Defense William Perry tells China's Defense Minister Gen. Chi Haotian that weapons sales to Iran could backfire on China. Chi says he would consider the point, but that reports of Chinese arms sales are exaggerated. He says that China is interested in peace and stability. Chi says that "Some of the issues have been exaggerated, and some of these issues simply do not exist," adding that China had carefully guarded its missile exports to comply with the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR).
—"Perry warns China about weapons sales to Iran; reports exaggerated, Chinese general says," St. Louis Post-Dispatch, 10 December 1996, p. 4A, in Lexis-Nexis, www.lexis-nexis.com.
9 December 1996
For the first time, Iran has successfully fired a Chinese made HY-2 Silkworm missile from a Houdong patrol boat during a 10-day military exercise.
—Reuters, 9 December 1996, Executive News Service, Khaleej Times 9 December 1996, in p. 1; in Nonproliferation Review, Vol. 4, No. 3, Spring-Summer 1997, James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies, p. 136.
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