Backbone of Iran’s defense: Inside Iran’s missile inventory

Regional and global developments have recently presented Iran with various challenges. The war, which began with a coordinated attack on Iran by the U.S. and Israel, is now sending a message to the world’s modern armies about both defensive and offensive capabilities. In maintaining its defense and deterrence against two major military powers, Iran’s missile systems, which have also drawn public attention, play a significant role. Their destructive impact on targets, effects on societal psychology and methods of use have contributed to the prolonged nature of the conflict. The continuation of the U.S.-Israel-led war, along with the costs already incurred and those that may arise globally, is driving economic uncertainty. In the ongoing conflict between the U.S.-Israel axis and Iran, just as in the 12-day war of June 2025, Iran’s dominance in its airspace was significantly shattered by sudden, large-scale air operations. It was believed that the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and senior commanders would disrupt Iran’s military doctrine and break its resistance. However, despite the losses in its command structure, Iran appears determined to compensate for the shortcomings of its modern air force with its massive arsenal of ballistic/cruise missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). From the very beginning, Iran has positioned its arsenal not as an offensive weapon but as a strategic deterrent and a guarantee of the regime’s survival. For this reason, it responds to different scenarios with different preparations. Iran’s inventory includes weapon systems with various capabilities and operational concepts.