Presently, sophisticated ballistic missile technology is available on a wider scale than ever to countries hostile to the U.S. and our allies. As those countries continue to develop and exchange this technology, there is also an increasing threat of those technologies falling into the hands of hostile non-state groups.

Iran's ballistic missiles are capable of striking targets throughout the region, ranging as far as southeastern Europe. Iran is likely to continue developing more sophisticated missiles, with improved accuracy, range and lethality.

Iran's progress on space launch vehicles — along with its desire to deter the United States and its allies — provides Tehran with the means and motivation to develop longer-range missiles, including ICBMs. In April 2016 Iran launched the Simorgh space launch vehicle (SLV), which could be capable of intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) ranges if configured as such. Iran may be able to deploy an operational ICBM by 2020 if the regime choses to do so. Iran also has steadily increased its ballistic missile force, deploying next-generation short- and medium-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs and MRBMs) with increasing accuracy and new submunition payloads. It is continuing to develop new missiles (such as the Qiam-1 SRBM and Ashura solid-propellant MRBM) and working to enhance lethality and effectiveness of existing systems with improvements in accuracy and warhead designs, to include maneuvering reentry vehicles (MaRV), and submunition payloads. In late 2015 Iran announced it successfully test-fired the Emad, a new precision-guided missile with the range to reach Israel. Iran has flight-tested a Fateh-110 ballistic missile in an anti-ship role.  By adding a seeker to improve the missile’s accuracy against sea-based targets, Iran could threaten maritime activity throughout the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz.

North Korea has expanded the size and sophistication of its ballistic missile forces — from close-range ballistic missiles to ICBMs — and  has conducted an unprecedented level of nuclear tests and ballistic missile launches since 2016, including its fourth and fifth nuclear tests, as well as its short-range, medium-range, intermediate-range, long-range, and submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) launches. In February 2016, Pyongyang launched a TD-2 SLV from a west coast testing facility. The technology involved in a satellite launch would be applicable to North Korea's other long-range missile programs. In addition to the Taepo Dong 2 SLV/ICBM, North Korea is developing and has paraded the two road-mobile ICBMs which, if successfully developed, would likely be capable of reaching much of the continental United States.

Over the past year, North Korea conducted an aggressive testing campaign, launching at least seven Musudan intermediate-range ballistic missiles (IRBMs), with a range greater than 3,000 kilometers. North Korea tested a new SLBM capability in 2015 and again in 2016. In February 2017 North Korea publicized the launch of a new solid-propellant missile that appeared to be a land-based variant of its SLBM. The missile was launched from a canister carried on a previously unseen tracked launcher.

Today, North Korea fields hundreds of Scud and No Dong missiles that can reach U.S. forces forward deployed to the Republic of Korea and Japan. Over the past months the regime conducted a multitude no-notice Scud and No Dong missile tests from a variety of locations throughout North Korea. This included a simultaneous, salvo launch of MRBMs.

Through its capabilities for defending critical nodes, military assets, and seats of government, missile defense enhances existing non-proliferation activities. Missile defenses can provide a permanent presence in a region and discourage adversaries from believing they can use ballistic missiles to coerce or intimidate the U.S. or its allies.