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IAI Jericho (missile)

IAI · Ballistic · Israel · Modern (1992–2009)

The Jericho is a family of Israeli ballistic missiles — Israel's principal nuclear-delivery vehicles + among the most-classified weapons systems worldwide. IAI + Rafael have developed three Jericho generations across 1963-present: Jericho 1 (SRBM, 1972), Jericho 2 (IRBM, 1989), + Jericho 3 (ICBM, 2008). Exact specifications remain classified; estimates are derived from observed test data + open-source intelligence. The Jericho is Israel's only known long-range nuclear-delivery system + the basis for the Shavit space launch vehicle.

The Jericho 3 (current variant) is a 3-stage solid-fuel intermediate-to-intercontinental ballistic missile. Estimated range: 4,800-11,500 km (sources vary widely). Maximum speed: Mach 15+ during boost. Payload: estimated 750-1,300 kg single warhead + maybe MIRV. Reentry vehicle: estimated CEP 100-300 m at maximum range. Launch platform: mobile transporter-erector-launcher (TEL) — Israel deploys Jerichos in hardened silos + mobile road-mobile launchers in the Negev Desert. Total estimated Jericho 3 inventory: ~50 missiles.

The Jericho programme began in 1963 as a Dassault-led contract (the Jericho 1 was originally a Dassault MD 620 design before French withdrawal). Israel has never officially acknowledged the Jericho's nuclear role or provided technical specifications. International intelligence assessments (US, UK, Sweden) all treat the Jericho 2 + 3 as nuclear-armed. Jericho 3 testing has been observed at Palmachim with downrange splashdowns in the central Mediterranean + (in 1989-1990 Jericho 2 tests) the western Atlantic. The Jericho family is the most-capable IRBM/ICBM held by any state outside the recognised P5 nuclear weapons states + India / Pakistan / North Korea.

For Kids — a shorter, friendlier version

The Jericho is a family of long-range rockets made by Israel. Israel has been building these rockets since 1963. Two companies, IAI and Rafael, helped design them. There have been three versions built over the years.

The first version, Jericho 1, was ready in 1972. The second, Jericho 2, came in 1989. The newest version, Jericho 3, first flew in 2008. Each new version could fly farther than the one before it.

The Jericho 3 is the biggest and most powerful version. It has three stages that fire one after another to push it higher and faster. It can travel faster than any passenger jet by a huge amount. In fact, it is faster than almost anything else that flies.

The Jericho 3 is launched from the Negev Desert in Israel. It can be fired from a hidden underground silo or from a truck that drives on roads. About 50 of these rockets are thought to exist. Each one is smaller than a school bus but can reach targets very far away.

The Jericho program also helped Israel build a rocket called Shavit, which is used to launch satellites into space. So the same ideas behind the Jericho helped Israel become a space-launching country too.

Fun Facts

The Jericho rocket program started all the way back in 1963.
The Jericho 3 can travel at Mach 15, which is faster than a speeding rifle bullet many times over.
Israel keeps about 50 Jericho 3 rockets ready at any time.
The Jericho 3 is smaller than a school bus but can fly thousands of kilometers.
Some Jericho rockets are hidden inside thick underground silos to keep them safe.
The Jericho 3 has three separate stages that each fire in turn to gain speed.
The same rocket technology helped Israel create the Shavit rocket, which launches satellites into space.
The Jericho was first designed with help from the French company Dassault before Israel took over the program.

Kids’ Questions

How far can the Jericho 3 fly?

The Jericho 3 is estimated to fly between 4,800 and 11,500 kilometers. That is far enough to reach many parts of the world from Israel. Experts get these numbers from watching test flights and studying public information.

Where does Israel launch the Jericho rocket from?

Israel launches Jericho rockets from the Negev Desert. They can be fired from underground silos or from special trucks called mobile launchers. Using trucks makes them harder for enemies to find.

Did the Jericho help with space exploration?

Yes! The technology used in the Jericho rocket helped Israel build a space rocket called Shavit. The Shavit is used to send satellites into orbit around Earth. So the Jericho had a peaceful use in space science too.

Variants

Jericho 1 (1972-1990s): SRBM. 500 km range. Retired.
Jericho 2 (1989-2010s): IRBM. 1,500-3,500 km. Largely retired.
Jericho 3 (2008-present): ICBM. 4,800-11,500 km. Current variant.

Notable Operators

Israeli Strategic Forces (1972-present): Sole operator. Negev Desert silos + mobile TELs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Has Israel ever acknowledged the Jericho is nuclear?

No. Israel maintains a policy of nuclear ambiguity (Hebrew: amimut) — it has never officially confirmed or denied possessing nuclear weapons, + the Jericho's role is part of that policy. However, every major Western intelligence agency (US CIA, UK MI6, Swedish FOI), the Federation of American Scientists, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), + the Nuclear Threat Initiative all treat the Jericho 2 + 3 as nuclear-armed. Estimated Israeli warhead inventory is ~90 weapons, with the Jericho fleet plus aircraft-delivered + submarine-launched options. Israel is one of 4 states never to sign the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (with India, Pakistan, + North Korea).

Sources

Wikipedia — Jericho (missile)