Late Tuesday, Iran launched its largest-ever ballistic missile attack on Israel, firing 180 missiles, most of which were intercepted by anti-missile defenses from Israel, the United States, and Jordan, according to government statements. The aerial assault has raised tensions in the region, which is already on edge due to ongoing conflicts. This attack follows a smaller strike in April but significantly escalates the conflict in the Middle East.
Iran’s Missile Arsenal
Iran has an extensive missile program that includes thousands of ballistic and cruise missiles with various ranges. According to the Missile Threat Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Tehran has over 3,000 ballistic missiles, as reported by the Iran Watch website in 2023. The most commonly used medium-range missile in Iran’s arsenal is the Shahab-3, which has a range of about 1,000 to 1,300 kilometers (620 to 800 miles) and can carry large warheads weighing up to 1,200 kilograms (2,645 pounds). The latest variants of the Shahab-3, known as the Ghadr and Emad, are more accurate, capable of hitting targets within 300 meters (1,000 feet) of their intended destination.
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During Tuesday’s assault, weapons experts confirmed that Iran deployed variants of the Shahab-3 ballistic missile, the foundation for much of its medium-range missile program. Iranian media also reported the use of the Fattah-1 missile, which Tehran describes as “hypersonic,” traveling at speeds over Mach 5 (about 6,100 kilometers per hour or 3,800 miles per hour). Although it reaches hypersonic speeds, experts such as Fabian Hinz of the International Institute for Strategic Studies point out that the Fattah-1 lacks the advanced maneuverability of true hypersonic weapons, making it easier to intercept than the more sophisticated missiles developed by global powers.
Israel’s Missile Defense Systems
Israel’s defense systems, which successfully intercepted most of the incoming missiles, include a multi-layered missile defense network designed to neutralize a variety of threats. While the Iron Dome has gained significant attention for its ability to intercept rockets and short-range missiles, Israel’s defenses against ballistic missiles include more advanced systems such as David’s Sling and the Arrow 2 and Arrow 3 systems.
David’s Sling, developed jointly by Israel’s RAFAEL Advanced Defense Systems and the US-based Raytheon Technologies, is used to intercept short- and medium-range ballistic missiles. Arrow 2 and Arrow 3 are more advanced systems that intercept ballistic missiles in their terminal and mid-course phases, respectively. Arrow 2 intercepts missiles in the atmosphere using fragmentation warheads, while Arrow 3 intercepts ballistic missiles in space using hit-to-kill technology.
US and Jordan Involvement
The United States played a significant role in the missile defense effort during the attack, with US Navy guided-missile destroyers USS Cole and USS Bulkeley in the eastern Mediterranean launching 12 anti-missile interceptors. These ships are equipped with the Aegis ballistic missile defense system, which intercepts incoming missiles in both mid-course and terminal phases.
Jordan also contributed to the defense against the Iranian attack, with Jordanian Air Force units intercepting missiles aimed at targets within their territory. However, specific details regarding Jordan’s response remain undisclosed.
Regional and Global Implications
This attack marks a dangerous escalation in the already volatile Middle East. Iran’s decision to unleash such a large-scale missile strike highlights the growing intensity of the regional conflict. The use of ballistic missiles, rather than drones or slower-moving munitions as seen in previous attacks, suggests Iran’s increasing confidence in its military capabilities despite the risks involved in revealing the extent of its missile technology to its adversaries.
The regional conflict has now entered a more dangerous phase, with Israel and its allies standing firm against Iran’s aggression. The potential for further escalation looms large, especially if diplomatic efforts fail to contain the situation.
