The Sejjil missile is a two-stage, solid-propellant, medium-range ballistic missile domestically designed and built by Iran.

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Sejjil Development

Development of the Sejjil missile likely began in the late 1990s, but stems directly from development work of previous Iranian missiles, most notably the Zelzal short-range ballistic missile (SRBM). Its use of solid propellant, in particular, is due to fuel technology advancement made in conjunction with the Zelzal program during the 1990s, the development of which is believed to have been aided by China.¹ 

Though the missile has a similar size, weight, and range to the Shahab 3 variants, its use of solid propellants is a major improvement on the Shahab design. Solid propellants allow for a faster launch time, leaving the missile less vulnerable during launch. Because solid-propellant missiles do not have to be fueled immediately prior to launch, they are more easily transported. On the other hand, solid-propellant missiles have particular performance characteristics that make it more difficult to guide and control. 

Specifications

The Sejjil missile has approximately a length of 17.6 m, a diameter of 1.25 m, and an overall launch weight of 23,600 kg. It can deliver a payload of 500-1500 kg.² The Sejjil 2 is able to deliver a 700 kg high explosive warhead over a distance of 2,000 km or 1,500 kg high explosive warhead over 1,000 km.³ The same source also claims that the Sejjil 2 has a multiple independently targetable reentry vehicle capability.⁴ The missile reportedly has a range of approximately 2,000 km.⁵ These figures are dependent upon a missile fuselage with the weight and performance characteristics of aeronautical-grade steel. The maximum range is likely to vary based on the weight of the payload. The Sejjil is launched from a 22-meter long tractor trailer combination transporter-erector-launcher with three axels on both the tractor and trailer vehicles.⁶ Unconfirmed reports from the United States suggest that the transporter erector launcher (TEL) vehicle manufacturing for the Sejjil was being supported by Chinese technologies.⁷ 

Service History

The first test launch occurred in 2008, and the missile reportedly flew 800 km. A second launch was conducted in May 2009 to test improved guidance and navigation systems. Four other flight tests have occurred between 2009 and 2011, with the sixth test flying approximately 1,900 km into the Indian Ocean.⁸ After about a decade of inactivity, the Sejjil resurfaced in 2021 when Iran launched it as part of the January Great Prophet 15 military exercises.⁹ Footage from this test suggests that Iran has incorporated upgraded guidance systems on the Sejjil, including a ruggedized ‘strap-down’ guidance system and new jet vanes adapted from the Ghadr missile.¹⁰  

The Sejjil’s re-entry vehicle appears to have optical ports that could be for stellar or horizon reference systems, but likely relies on inertial navigation systems or global positioning systems for guidance.¹¹ During Operation True Promise IV, Iran reportedly launched the Sejjil for the first time against targets in Israel, indicating the missile’s operational status.¹²

Sejjil Variations

There are multiple versions of the Sejjil system. In 2009, Iran referred to the test launch as the Sejjil 2 in the Iranian province of Semnan.¹³ An unconfirmed report stated the Sejjil 3 may be in development. The Sejjil 3 would reportedly have three stages, a maximum range of 4,000 km, and a launch weight of 38,000 kg.¹⁴ The Sejjil missile appears to be a unique Iranian design. Unlike earlier Iranian systems, the missile does not appear to be a copy of a previously released North Korean missile.