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Israel tested an intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) on Jan. 17, the Israeli Defense Ministry announced, adding that the missile is capable of carrying an “unconventional payload.” This sends a clear message to Iran and represents a potential renewed emphasis on Israel’s land-based longer-range ballistic missile program.
Israel has existed as an undeclared nuclear power since probably the late 1960s. Initial weaponization came with air-dropped nuclear gravity bombs. Its Jericho series of missiles, reportedly also capable of nuclear delivery, began coming on line in the early 1970s. All this came with first French and later South African collaboration.
But since at least 2000, most authorities at least strongly suspect that Israel has deployed submarine-launched, nuclear-tipped cruise missiles on its three German-built Dolphin-class submarines (which were specially built with four large 650mm torpedo tubes).
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