In a dramatic escalation of tensions, Iran launched over 180 missiles at Israel on Tuesday evening. This attack, dubbed ‘Operation True Promise II’, was a direct response to the recent deaths of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and Revolutionary Guard General Abbas Nilforushan in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut. While there were no reported Israeli casualties, the barrage caused damage and fires from falling shrapnel.
The attack marked a significant development, as Iranian missiles reportedly bypassed Israel’s renowned Iron Dome and Arrow air defense systems. The Iranian state media revealed the use of various ballistic missiles, including Ghadr, Emad, and the newly introduced Fattah missile.
The Fattah, which translates to ‘Conqueror’ in Farsi, is a hypersonic missile capable of reaching speeds up to 15 times the speed of sound with a range of 1,400 kilometers. This was the first time the Iranian Revolutionary Guard deployed this missile in retaliation against another nation. Notably, the Fattah is equipped with a gliding warhead, contributing to its remarkable accuracy. Reports suggest that the Fattah was specifically aimed at Israel’s Arrow defense system, designed to intercept long-range missiles.
Experts are analyzing the footage of recovered missile debris to confirm the use of the Fattah and its effectiveness in penetrating the Arrow system. The debate centers around the Fattah’s maneuverability as it re-enters the atmosphere to strike its target. The more unpredictable the missile’s trajectory, the harder it becomes to intercept.
The remaining missiles, Ghadr and Emad, were reportedly targeted at the Iron Dome, which intercepts shorter-range missiles. Emad, an advanced variant of Ghadr, boasts the capability to adjust its flight path mid-air.
This missile barrage highlights the growing sophistication of Iran’s missile arsenal, raising serious concerns about the regional security landscape. The Fattah’s successful penetration of Israel’s sophisticated defense systems serves as a stark reminder of the evolving nature of modern warfare. While the full extent of the damage and the implications of this attack are still being assessed, one thing is clear: the conflict in the Middle East remains volatile and fraught with dangerous uncertainties.
