The Burkan-1 (Arabic 1 بركان) or Volcano-1[4] (also spelled as Burqan 1[5]) is a mobile short-range ballistic missile used by the HouthisinYemen. It is related to the Scud missile family.[6]
| Burkan 1 | |
|---|---|
| Type | Tactical SRBM |
| Place of origin | YemenorIran |
| Service history | |
| In service | September 2, 2016[1] |
| Used by | Houthis in Yemen Hezbollah in Lebanon |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 7,300 kilograms (16,000 lb)[2] |
| Length | 12.5 metres (41 ft)[2] |
| Diameter | 0.88 metres (2.9 ft)[2] |
| Warhead | 500 kilograms (1,100 lb) conventional high-explosive[2] |
Operational | 800 kilometres (500 mi)[2] |
Guidance | Inertial[3] |
Houthi forces unveiled the Burkan-1 when it was fired on 2 September 2016.[1][2] According to Saudi Arabia, the missile and related Volcano H-2 are of Iranian origin, with USAF Lt. General Jeffrey L. Harrigian, Commander, Air Force's Central CommandinQatar, agreeing.[6][7]
The Burkan-1 is a member of the Scud family.[6] Analysts identify it as being based on either the Scud-B[3] or Scud-D[4] missile. Its range is greater than the Soviet-made Scuds Yemen possessed as of 2015, suggesting that the missile is not of Yemeni origin.[2][8] Elements of the missile's design, including the inertial guidance system, fins, and control surfaces, are identical to those of the Qiam 1, leading several analysts and the U.S. State Department to believe that the missile is an Iranian-made Qiam 1.[4][9] The Burkan-1 carries a warhead weighing more than 1,100 pounds (500 kg).[2]
The Burkan-1 was first fired on 2 September 2016, aimed at King Fahad Air BaseinTaif, with Houthi sources claiming a successful hit but Saudi Arabia claiming there was no damage.[2][10] On 27 October 2016, another missile was fired, but destroyed in mid-air by a Saudi Patriot missile before reaching its target. According to the Saudi-led coalition the target was Mecca, but according to the Houthis the target was King Abdulaziz International Airport, near Jeddah.[11] On 28 July 2017, another missile was fired on a similar trajectory and intercepted in mid-air, leading to Saudi Arabia again claiming the target was Mecca and the Houthis claiming the target was King Fahad Air Base.[12]