Iran’s Largest Attack on Israel: A Breakdown
Recently, Iran launched its largest attack on Israel, firing 180 ballistic missiles late Tuesday. Fortunately, most of these missiles were intercepted by anti-missile defenses used by Israel, the United States, and Jordan, according to official statements from these countries.
This aerial assault was far more significant than a similar strike in April, escalating tensions in an already volatile Middle East as a dangerous regional conflict intensifies.
Iran’s Ballistic Missile Capabilities
In examining Iran’s missile capabilities, experts have identified the use of Shahab-3 ballistic missiles in the latest attack. The Shahab-3 serves as the foundation for all of Iran’s medium-range ballistic missiles, employing liquid propellant. According to Patrick Senft, a research coordinator at Armament Research Services (ARES), the Shahab-3 has been in service since 2003, capable of carrying warheads between 760 to 1,200 kilograms (1,675 to 2,645 pounds). It can be launched from both mobile platforms and silos.
Additionally, the Ghadr and Emad variants of the Shahab-3 are reported to have an accuracy of about 300 meters (nearly 1,000 feet) from their intended targets. Furthermore, Iranian media indicated that a new missile, the Fattah-1, was also used in these attacks. Tehran claims that the Fattah-1 is a hypersonic missile, traveling at Mach 5, which is five times the speed of sound (around 3,800 miles per hour, or 6,100 kilometers per hour).
However, analysts have noted that almost all ballistic missiles reach hypersonic speeds during their flight, especially when diving toward targets. The term “hypersonic” is typically associated with highly advanced hypersonic glide vehicles and hypersonic cruise missiles, which can maneuver within the Earth’s atmosphere, making them extremely difficult to intercept.
While the Fattah-1 appears to feature a maneuverable reentry vehicle, allowing it to adjust its path to avoid missile defenses, experts remain skeptical about Iran using this new missile during the attack. Trevor Ball, a former senior explosive ordnance technician for the US Army, expressed concern that Iran has much to lose by deploying this missile. If Israel gains insight into its capabilities, it could provide significant propaganda advantages.
Israel’s Defensive Measures
In response to these missile threats, Israel operates a sophisticated array of missile defense systems designed to counter attacks from various sources, including ballistic missiles and low-flying cruise missiles.
The Iron Dome has received significant attention as it effectively intercepts incoming rockets and artillery. However, it’s important to note that the Iron Dome is primarily for lower-tier threats and was not the system employed during the recent ballistic missile attacks.
The next layer of Israel’s missile defense is David’s Sling, which addresses short- and medium-range threats. A collaborative effort between Israel’s RAFAEL Advanced Defense System and Raytheon, David’s Sling utilizes Stunner and SkyCeptor kinetic interceptors to neutralize targets from distances of up to 186 miles.
Above David’s Sling are the Arrow 2 and Arrow 3 systems, which Israel developed in partnership with the United States. The Arrow 2 uses fragmentation warheads to destroy incoming ballistic missiles during their terminal phase—when they dive toward their targets. In contrast, Arrow 3 employs hit-to-kill technology to intercept missiles in space before they re-enter the atmosphere.
During the recent attack, the US military responded by firing at least 12 anti-missile munitions from the USS Cole and USS Bulkeley, guided-mississile destroyers operating in the eastern Mediterranean. Although the specific interceptors used were not disclosed, these destroyers are equipped with the Aegis ballistic missile defense system, capable of striking incoming missiles during their mid-course or terminal phases.
Moreover, the Jordanian air force also played a role in intercepting Iranian missiles during this event, although details remain limited.
Conclusion
Overall, Iran possesses a vast arsenal of ballistic and cruise missiles, with estimates suggesting they have over 3,000 ballistic missiles, as reported by US Air Force Gen. Kenneth McKenzie. These missiles follow trajectories that carry them outside or near the Earth’s atmosphere before the warhead separates and descends towards its target.
In conclusion, as the conflict escalates, both sides are ramping up their military capabilities, creating a precarious situation in the region.
