The extended reach likely stems from technology developed through Iran’s satellite launch programs. By Vered Weiss, World Israel News Iran has significantly expanded its missile capabilities, demonstrating a strike range of approximately 4,000 kilometers in a recent launch assessed to have used a multi-stage, satellite-type propulsion system, former IDF air defense chief Brig.-Gen. Ran Kochav told The Jerusalem Post on Sunday.The launch, which targeted the joint UK-US base at Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, exceeded Tehran’s previously declared range of about 2,000 kilometers.Kochav said the test effectively doubled the range Iran had publicly demonstrated until now.According to Kochav and IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir, the extended reach likely stems from technology developed through Iran’s satellite launch programs, which rely on multi-stage systems designed to place payloads into orbit.Israeli and US officials have long cautioned that such technologies could be adapted for long-range missile use.Kochav said one possible configuration involves a modified version of the R-27 ballistic missile, originally developed by the Soviet Union for submarine launches, but potentially reworked by Iran for ground-based deployment.He noted that similar systems used by North Korea have achieved ranges of roughly 3,000 kilometers.He said the additional distance could be explained by reducing the payload weight, allowing the missile to travel farther with the same propulsion system.Another possibility discussed was a modified Khorramshahr-4 class missile.“From an engineering standpoint, ballistic missiles exit the atmosphere into exo-atmospheric flight before re-entering,” Kochav told the Jerusalem Post.He added that “trajectory physics means they [the missiles] can strike from any azimuth—north, east, west or south—rendering directional origin irrelevant. Consequently, London, Paris, Berlin and every other European capital now lie within credible Iranian reach.”The increased range places much of Europe within reach of Iranian missiles, including major capitals.Kochav said existing NATO and UK defenses include naval-based interceptors and integrated systems,but lack a comprehensive ground-based exo-atmospheric layer in some areas.He said Iran would need to extend its range to about 10,000 kilometers to reach the United States, but added that mastering multi-stage launch systems represents a major step toward that capability.The post Iran demonstrates 4,000-kilometer missile range, expanding reach beyond previous limits appeared first on World Israel News.