Iran has begun to restore ballistic missile production – Mako
Iran has begun restoring ballistic missile production, according to Israel’s Mako News. Although Israel and the United States claimed Iran’s military industry was nearly destroyed, senior officials now admit many missile launchers remain operational and Tehran has resumed limited production of critical systems in improvised facilities. Israeli officials say the IRGC are using the ceasefire to accelerate reconstruction at a pace that has surprised the security establishment.
Recent American intelligence reports show Iran has restarted limited production of ballistic missiles, launchers, anti-aircraft missiles and UAVs using surviving components, restored production lines and equipment recovered from tunnels that were jammed during the war. Russia and China are reportedly assisting the effort, with China also supplying shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missiles, according to a previous New York Times report.
Israeli officials estimate Iran could restore its offensive UAV capabilities within months and significantly increase missile production within about a year, possibly sooner. Production currently relies on spare parts from undamaged remote sites, underground facilities and improvised workshops rather than a rebuilt nationwide industrial network.
The assessment of launcher damage has also changed. Initial estimates claimed half were destroyed, but current intelligence suggests about two-thirds of Iran’s missile launchers remain usable, many already removed from reopened tunnels. American intelligence also says Iran has begun producing new launchers.
Although a US naval blockade has limited large-scale smuggling, Iran reportedly continues receiving aid and critical missile-production components from Russia and China.
CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper testified that 90% of Iran’s defense industrial base was destroyed and would take years to rebuild, but intelligence assessments now indicate the damage was less severe and reconstruction faster than initially believed. Israeli officials say some facilities, including targets struck by both American and Israeli forces, were either lightly damaged or untouched. Estimates for full reconstruction now range from months to several years, but not decades.
