28. Intelligence has confirmed that Iraq wants to extend the range of its missile

systems to over 1000km, enabling it to threaten other regional neighbours. This

work began in 1998, although efforts to regenerate the long range ballistic

missile programme probably began in 1995. Iraq's missile programmes employ

hundreds of people. Satellite imagery (Figure 6) has shown a new engine test

stand being constructed (A), which is larger than the current one used for al 

Samoud (B), and that formerly used for testing SCUD engines (C) which was

dismantled under UNSCOM supervision. This new stand will be capable of

testing engines for medium range ballistic missiles (MRBMs) with ranges over

1000km, which are not permitted under UN Security Council Resolution 687.

Such a facility would not be needed for systems that fall within the UN

permitted range of 150km. The Iraqis have recently taken measures to conceal

activities at this site.  Iraq is also working to obtain improved guidance

technology to increase missile accuracy. 

FIGURE 6: AL RAFAH/SHAHIYAT LIQUID PROPELLANT ENGINE STATIC TEST STAND

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