NextFin news, Iran has begun rebuilding missile production facilities targeted by Israeli strikes during the 12-day war in June, according to satellite imagery analyzed and reported on Wednesday. The reconstruction efforts are focused on sites near Tehran, including Parchin and Shahroud, where buildings housing missile production equipment are under repair.
However, experts note that a critical component, large planetary mixers essential for producing solid rocket fuel, remains absent from these sites. These mixers, which feature blades rotating around a central point to ensure uniform mixing of solid fuel ingredients, are vital for manufacturing solid-fuel ballistic missiles.
Sam Lair, a research associate at the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies, told the Associated Press, "If they're able to reacquire some key things like planetary mixers, then that infrastructure is still there and ready to get rolling again." The absence of these mixers currently limits Iran's ability to resume full-scale missile production.
Before the June conflict, Iran was capable of producing over 200 solid-fuel missiles monthly. Israeli airstrikes specifically targeted missile production facilities near Tehran, including Khojir, Parchin, and Shahroud, aiming to disrupt this capability. Satellite images from September show active reconstruction at these sites, but the mixers have yet to be replaced.
During the June war, Iran launched 574 ballistic missiles at Israel, with an additional 330 missiles fired in earlier exchanges, according to the Jewish Institute for National Security of America. This represents over a third of Iran's estimated 2,500-missile arsenal, underscoring the intensity of the conflict and the strategic importance of missile capabilities for Tehran.
Iran views its missile arsenal as a critical deterrent, especially after Israeli strikes severely damaged its air defense systems. Iranian officials have consistently excluded missile capabilities from any negotiations with Western powers.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is scheduled to address the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday amid expectations that the UN will reimpose sanctions targeting Iran's missile program. These sanctions would penalize any development or reconstruction efforts related to ballistic missiles.
Experts suggest that Iran may seek to acquire planetary mixers and missile fuel components from China, which has previously supplied Iran with such materials. The U.S. State Department has sanctioned Chinese companies alleged to have provided ballistic missile propellant ingredients to Iran.
Additionally, there is evidence that Iran's Revolutionary Guard has transferred planetary mixers to allied missile sites in the region, including a facility in Syria near Masyaf. Israeli military footage from a 2024 raid showed equipment resembling Chinese-made mixers at that site.
China's Foreign Ministry stated it supports Iran's sovereignty and security but expressed concern over escalating tensions in the Middle East. Iran's recent participation in China's Victory Day parade has fueled speculation about expanded military cooperation, though no official details have been released.
Iran's Defense Minister, Gen. Aziz Nasirzadeh, acknowledged on August 22 that the war with Israel shifted priorities toward producing military equipment with higher precision and operational capabilities.
The reconstruction of missile production infrastructure, despite equipment shortages and international pressure, highlights Iran's commitment to restoring and potentially expanding its missile arsenal in the face of ongoing regional tensions.
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