Cyprus Times

Iran's Secret Program Increased Missile Range to Europe

Published March 22, 2026, 20:08
Iran's Secret Program Increased Missile Range to Europe

Iran is reportedly developing a secret program to increase the range of its missiles, now threatening European countries. This information came to light after the launch of two Iranian missiles towards Diego Garcia Island in the Indian Ocean, indicating a significant increase in missile range, exceeding 2,000 kilometers. According to former IDF Chief of Air Defense, Brigadier General Ran Kochav, Iran is using two-stage missiles, originally designed for satellite launches, but adapted for ballistic weapons. The recent interception of an Iranian missile by Israel, outside the atmosphere, confirms the increased range, as it reached a great altitude. Israel used the Arrow missile system for the interception, designed for such missions. Iran has been working on these technologies for years, under the guise of satellite launches, but with a possible goal of developing intercontinental missiles. There are suspicions that the missile used is a modified R 27 Soviet-era ballistic missile, which was launched from submarines and had potential nuclear capabilities. Iran appears to have managed to adapt it for launch from land. North Korea has also used similar technology, with missiles that have a range of about 3,000 kilometers. Despite Iran's denials, Saturday's launch may have revealed a secret program that has been operating for years with the aim of developing long-range missiles. The increased threat from Iran is causing concern in the US and Israel, while the international community is closely monitoring developments.