The original missile, which was made by the Soviet Union, is known as the Scud B, and most Arab countries with Scuds have Scud B missiles in their arsenals. Its range is approximately 300 kilometers. North Korea developed a newer version, the Scud C, with a range of 500 kilometers. Syria acquired that version and has begun assembling them in a local plant set up by the North Koreans. It is also possible that Syria has begun producing Scud parts.
Western sources estimate that Egypt has also become involved in producing Scud C missiles.
The Scud D is believed to have been sold to Syria and Libya. While its range is estimated at 700 kilometers, Syria only needs a 500-kilometer range to cover most of Israel, although it seems that Damascus' intention is to be able to deploy the new missile deeper in its territory while keeping Israel within range. It is not known whether the payload of the new missile is any different from its predecessors or if its guidance system is any more accurate. What is certain is that Syria has taken a great leap forward in terms of its missile arsenal. Before, Damascus assembled missiles from parts purchased from other countries - none of the missile parts were produced in Syria.