The skies over the Middle East are currently enveloped in a tense and ominous atmosphere. Iran has launched a series of missile and drone strikes that have successfully challenged Israel’s advanced Iron Dome and Arrow defence systems. Cities from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem are reverberating with the sounds of incoming attacks, raising urgent questions about the sophisticated weaponry Iran is deploying.
The offensive began with the deployment of Iran’s short-range but highly effective “Shahed-136” kamikaze drones. Despite costing only a few thousand dollars each, these drones are capable of evading radar systems and causing precise, targeted damage. Similar drone technology was widely publicised during the Ukraine conflict, where Russia’s deployment drew global attention. Now, this technology has become a significant instrument of destruction in the Israeli theatre.
Following the drone strikes, Iran showcased its true firepower with ballistic missiles. The principal missiles in their arsenal include:
| Weapon Name | Type | Range | Special Features | Target Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sejjil | Long-range ballistic missile | 2,500 km | Capable of speeds up to 17,000 km/h | Can strike Tel Aviv within minutes |
| Khaybar Shekan | Ballistic missile | Classified | Can manoeuvre mid-flight | Extremely difficult to intercept |
| Fattah | Hypersonic missile | 2,000+ km | 15 times faster than sound | Capable of destroying targets within 400 seconds |
| Paveh | Long-range cruise missile | 1,650 km | Low-altitude flight, evades radar and mountainous terrain | Effective against military bases and airfields |
Among these, the “Fattah” hypersonic missile presents the greatest challenge to Israel and the United States. Travelling fifteen times the speed of sound, it currently evades all modern missile defence systems. Iranian officials claim it can reach and strike Tel Aviv in just 400 seconds.
In addition, reports suggest Iran may possess secretive “covert weapons” and is potentially advancing nuclear-capable missile testing. The Paveh long-range cruise missile can navigate mountainous terrain and radar blind spots to deliver precise strikes on military infrastructure, highlighting Iran’s growing technological sophistication.
Taken together, these developments demonstrate Iran’s reliance on advanced technology and a diversified arsenal to exert maximum pressure on Israel. The trajectory of the ongoing conflict will largely depend on the effectiveness of these weapons and the defensive responses of opposing forces.
Overall, the situation marks a new chapter in Middle Eastern volatility, where drones, ballistic missiles, and hypersonic systems define the emerging era of warfare.