Iran’s recent ballistic missile attack on Israel has once again brought to light the country’s formidable arsenal of missiles, which has long been a cause for concern in the West. This latest attack, in retaliation for Israel’s campaign against Tehran’s Hezbollah allies in Lebanon, marks a significant escalation in tensions between the two nations.
Ballistic missiles are a crucial component of Iran’s military capabilities, with the country possessing the largest number of such missiles in the region, according to the U.S. Office of the Director of National Intelligence. These missiles come in various types and ranges, each designed to serve different purposes in Iran’s defense strategy.
One of the most notable missiles in Iran’s arsenal is the ‚Sejil‘, which is capable of flying at speeds exceeding 17,000 km per hour and has a range of 2,500 km. Other missiles, such as the ‚Kheibar‘ and ‚Haj Qasem‘, also have impressive ranges of 2,000 km and 1,400 km, respectively. Additionally, Iran possesses a range of other ballistic missiles, including the ‚Shahab‘ series, ‚Emad-1‘, and ‚Zolfaghar‘, each with varying ranges and capabilities.
Fabian Hinz, an expert on Iran’s missile arsenal, has noted that Iran utilizes a combination of solid- and liquid-fueled missiles in its attacks. The solid-propellant missiles are more advanced and are typically fired from angled mobile launchers, while the liquid-propellant missiles are launched from vertical launchers. This diverse range of missiles allows Iran to adapt its tactics based on the specific target and operational requirements.
Iran has consistently emphasized the importance of its ballistic missile program as a deterrent against potential threats from the U.S., Israel, and other regional adversaries. Despite international concerns about the country’s missile capabilities, Iran maintains that its program is purely defensive and denies any intention to develop nuclear weapons.
In recent years, Iran has made significant advancements in its missile technology, including the development of hypersonic ballistic missiles that can travel at speeds five times faster than the speed of sound. These missiles pose a significant challenge for defense systems due to their high speed and complex trajectory, making them difficult to intercept.
Iran’s support for various proxy groups in the region, such as the Houthi rebels in Yemen and Hezbollah in Lebanon, has further raised concerns about the proliferation of ballistic missiles in the Middle East. The Houthis have been accused of launching missile attacks on Saudi Arabia and the UAE, with alleged support from Iran. Similarly, Hezbollah has claimed to possess the capability to convert thousands of rockets into precision missiles, with assistance from Iranian experts.
Overall, Iran’s ballistic missile program remains a significant factor in regional security dynamics, with the country’s continued development and deployment of advanced missile technology posing a challenge for neighboring countries and the broader international community. As tensions persist in the Middle East, the role of ballistic missiles in shaping regional conflicts and power dynamics is likely to remain a key area of concern for policymakers and analysts alike.