Satellite Images Reveal Iran's Deepening Efforts to Rebuild Missile Facilities Underground

Satellite imagery analysis indicates that Iran is struggling to fully repair its primary missile production facilities following Israeli and American strikes, with many sites still in ruins. However, significant activity has been observed in underground tunnel complexes, suggesting Iran is moving crucial production and assembly processes underground to protect them from future attacks. The findings, from the Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI), examined three key sites: Parchin, Khojir, and Shahroud.

At Parchin, a facility for solid rocket fuel production, damaged structures remain largely inoperable. While some construction is underway, it appears to be repairing damage from an earlier conflict, not the recent strikes. Nearby, however, the Shahid Boroujerdi tunnel complex shows signs of significant rehabilitation, with power and service infrastructure restored. Large containers, potentially for ballistic missiles, were spotted outside these tunnels, though their exact purpose remains unconfirmed.

Khojir, a large defense industry complex near Tehran, sustained heavy damage across most of its facilities. Both solid fuel production sites are still in ruins, and liquid-fueled missile production areas also show considerable damage. The tunnel complex at Shahid Movahed, believed to be for liquid-fueled missile assembly, has several blocked entrances, with at least one appearing open. Researchers expressed skepticism about reports of underground missile assembly resuming at Khojir.

At Shahroud, a central site for solid fuel production, debris removal is more advanced than at the other locations, with initial repair signs visible on some building skeletons. Nevertheless, extensive rebuilding and equipment installation are still needed. Concurrently, extensive excavation of a new tunnel complex has been identified on a nearby mountain, with work commencing in late 2024 and continuing through recent hostilities. A third entrance appears to be under construction, suggesting a potential expansion of underground capabilities for missile production or assembly.

Researchers estimate that focusing reconstruction efforts on a single site like Shahroud could allow for a return to production within a year, provided Iran can acquire the necessary industrial equipment. However, they caution that further strikes on other component production facilities could create bottlenecks, delaying the overall process. The existence of additional, unidentified production and assembly sites cannot be ruled out.