Iraq's Ballistic Missile Binary Warhead Capabilities
Filename:502br.90
[ (b)(2) ]
SUSPENSE: 8 NOV 90 0200
SUBJECT: Iraq's Ballistic Missile Binary Warhead Capabilities
(U) DISCUSSION:
DIA believes that Iraq has limited numbers of
binary warheads for its ballistic missiles. These warheads are
probably filled with precursor chemicals which when mixed in
flight will produce the G-series nerve agent (GB or GF) or
binary components to form the nerve agent VX.
[ (b)(1) sec 1.3(a)(4) ]
[ (b)(1) sec 1.3(a)(4) ]
DIA believes that Iraq could have a few binary CW-equipped
SRBMs aimed at coalition facilities in Saudi Arabia. However,
due to poor accuracy, the most lucrative targets would be
urban areas, as was the case with conventional warhead missile
targeting in the Iran-Iraq War. Iraq probably has neither the
number of warheads, firing crews, nor launchers to salvo-
launch a series of CW-equipped missiles at coalition military
installations (i.e. airfields) to compensate for poor
accuracy. Nevertheless, the three known launch sites in
southern Iraq point to Dhahran. Saddam may believe that even
inaccurate missiles could serve psychological purposes. Large
concentrations of troops (without early warning and protective
equipment) could be targeted but such a strike would require
responsive targeting and good tactical reconnaissance, which
the Iraqis are unlikely to have in Saudi Arabia.
[ (b)(6) ]
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