was a testing ground for solid-fueled engines and the blast was a major setback for Iran’s missile plans.
The officials told the Times they had no idea what caused the devastating explosion, but it was likely connected with the solid fuel being worked on at the base. The fuel is highly volatile and dangerous.
Most of Iran’s missiles are liquid-fueled. This is disadvantageous in a crisis. Iran’s Shahab missile can be driven around on a truck to try to hide it. But it must be followed by a convoy of tankers and the fueling process takes several hours, during which the parked vehicles are very vulnerable.
A solid-fueled missile, on the other hand, can be driven to a launch site on its own, parked and swiftly fired.
In a recent report, the International Institute for Strategic Studies in London called Iran’s shift to solid-fueled engines “a turning point” with “profound strategic implications” because the technology also brings Tehran closer to the ability to make long-range missiles, a capability it denies seeking.
