DUBAI, Sept 24: Iran has begun rebuilding buildings and infrastructure at missile-production sites struck by Israel during the 12-day war in June, satellite imagery analyzed by news agencies shows — but a crucial element for restoring full solid-fuel missile output appears to be missing: the large planetary mixers used to make solid propellant.
Analysts say reconstituting the solid-fuel production chain is central to Tehran’s ability to quickly replenish its missile stocks. While reconstruction work is visible at facilities such as Parchin and Shahroud, experts told the press that the specialized mixers that ensure even blending of propellant ingredients remain scarce at those sites.
Planetary mixers — industrial machines whose blades orbit a central shaft like planets — are viewed as a production bottleneck. If Iran cannot source them, large-scale solid-fuel manufacturing will be constrained despite repairs to other parts of the production line. Analysts say China is the most likely external source for such equipment and some related chemicals.
Satellite images from private providers taken this month show rebuilding at Parchin and Shahroud. At Parchin, mixing buildings appear under repair; Shahroud shows rebuilding of mixing halls and associated structures, according to specialists who analysed the imagery and the sites’ layouts.
Israel’s strikes during the June conflict sought to degrade Iran’s ability to produce and quickly launch solid-fuel missiles. Solid-fuel systems are favoured for rapid response because fuel is cast into the motor in advance, unlike liquid-fuel systems that require fueling immediately before launch.
Before the June war, Iran reportedly fired hundreds of ballistic missiles at Israel — and analysts estimate the country had built up a large arsenal, with some assessments putting pre-war production capacity at more than 200 solid-fuel missiles per month. That scale of production, experts say, was a major reason Israeli planners targeted mixing halls and related manufacturing infrastructure.
Experts caution that if Iran manages to obtain planetary mixers and restricted chemicals, it could rapidly restore pre-war output levels. “If they’re able to reacquire some key things like planetary mixers, then that infrastructure is still there and ready to get rolling again,” said a non-proliferation specialist who studies missile production.
Washington and Western capitals have repeatedly warned against transfers of dual-use equipment and chemicals that can support missile programmes. U.S. officials have previously sanctioned foreign suppliers they say provided components or propellant ingredients to Iran; footage from inspections and past raids has shown mixers similar to those sold by some Chinese firms in regional facilities linked to Tehran.
Beijing, for its part, has said it supports stability in the Middle East and denied being a party to weapons transfers. China’s foreign ministry has declined to confirm any specific transfers and instead reiterated calls for de-escalation.
Iranian officials have said missile production is a sovereign capability they will preserve and strengthen. Defence officials have also claimed development of new missiles with more advanced warheads since the June hostilities, while warning that past strikes have only reshaped Tehran’s priorities rather than ended its missile programme.
Analysts warn that the combination of repaired infrastructure and outside sourcing of mixers or chemicals would make efforts to limit Iran’s solid-fuel output far more difficult. Even without mixers, the swift pace of reconstruction underlines Tehran’s determination to restore a high tempo of missile production should it decide to do so.
📲 Follow our WhatsApp ChannelSource: Associated Press (AP)
Labels: Iran, Israel, Missile Programme, Satellite Imagery, Defence
Tags: #Iran #Israel #Missiles #SolidFuel #PlanetaryMixer #AP #SatelliteImages
Disclaimer: This story is based on reporting by the Associated Press and expert analysis. Jammu News Portal republishes agency copy for informational purposes; we strive for accuracy but are not responsible for inadvertent errors in the original report. Readers are encouraged to consult primary agency reports and official statements for full details.
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