Iran's Hypersonic Missile Arsenal Challenges Israeli Defense Systems
Iran Deploys Advanced Fattah-1 Hypersonic Missiles Against Israel
Iran has deployed its hypersonic missile arsenal, specifically the Fattah-1 system, in its ongoing conflict with Israel that began June 13, 2025. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed its hypersonic Fattah-1 missiles were "repeatedly shaking the shelters" in Tel Aviv overnight, marking a significant escalation in missile technology usage in Middle Eastern warfare.
Technical Capabilities and Defense Challenges
Hypersonic missiles travel at more than five times the speed of sound and can manoeuvre midflight, making them harder to track and intercept. This represents a substantial advancement over traditional ballistic missiles, which follow predictable trajectories that defense systems can more easily calculate and intercept.
Ballistic missiles from Iran travelling at Mach 5 can reach Israel in roughly 12 minutes, though the exact time depends on the missile type and the launch site. The speed advantage significantly reduces warning time for civilian populations and defensive systems.
Conflicting Assessments of Iranian Capabilities
However, Israeli military officials have disputed some Iranian claims about their missile technology. According to IDF officials, the missiles launched by Iran in the past two days have been similar to those fired at Israel in April and October 2024. The military has previously said that Iran does not possess "hypersonic missiles," and the missiles launched at the country are not maneuverable.
This discrepancy highlights the ongoing debate about the true capabilities of Iran's missile arsenal and the effectiveness of their claimed hypersonic technology.
Impact on Israeli Defense Systems
The sustained missile barrage has reportedly strained Israeli defensive capabilities. Israel is running low on defensive Arrow interceptors, Wall Street Journal reported citing a US official. The information raises concern about the country's ability to counter long-range ballistic missiles from Iran if the conflict isn't resolved soon.
Iran has fired some 280 ballistic missiles at Israel in several barrages since the Israel Defense Forces began its operation against the Islamic Republic's nuclear program early Friday morning. While most missiles were intercepted, some have successfully struck targets.
Defensive Performance and Casualties
Despite Israel's advanced multilayered defense systems, some missiles have penetrated defenses. Several missiles, though, have "breached" air defenses, according to the IDF, striking residential areas in Tel Aviv, Ramat Gan, Rishon Lezion, Bat Yam and Rehovot in central Israel.
The Israeli Ministry of Health that 94 Israelis have been treated for injuries from those overnight strikes and that there were several fires where these missiles hit or where fragments from the interceptors hit.
Strategic Implications
The deployment of claimed hypersonic technology represents an escalation in Iran's missile capabilities and poses new challenges for regional missile defense systems. The introduction of such advanced weapons has reshaped the threat landscape, potentially altering the strategic balance in the Middle East.
The effectiveness of these systems against Israel's sophisticated defense network, which includes the Iron Dome, David's Sling, and Arrow systems, will likely influence future military planning and defense procurement throughout the region.
International Response
The US has been aware of the capacity problems for months, the official said, and Washington has been augmenting Israel's defenses with systems on the ground, at sea and in the air, highlighting the international dimensions of the conflict and the strain on defensive resources.
The conflict continues to evolve, with both sides escalating their responses and the international community closely monitoring developments as the situation impacts regional stability and global oil markets.
Sources
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Al Jazeera (June 18, 2025). "Iran warns US intervention in conflict with Israel risks 'all out war'." Al Jazeera. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/6/18/iran-warns-us-intervention-in-conflict-with-israel-risks-all-out-war
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Al Jazeera (June 16, 2025). "Israel-Iran conflict: How ballistic missiles work and where can they reach?" Al Jazeera. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/6/16/israel-iran-conflict-how-ballistic-missiles-work-and-where-can-they-reach
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CBS News (June 17, 2025). "Israel strikes Iranian state TV, warns people to evacuate Tehran after accusing Iran of targeting civilians." CBS News. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/iran-hits-israel-with-barrage-of-missiles-killing-several-people-israel-says/
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Daftari, Amir (June 18, 2025). "Israel's Missile Defenses Running Short as Iran Fires Hypersonics: Report." Newsweek. https://www.newsweek.com/iran-israel-missile-defensive-systems-hypersonic-2087124
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Reuters (June 16, 2025). "Iranian state broadcaster hit as Iran urges Trump to make Israel halt war." Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/israel-iran-battle-escalates-will-be-high-agenda-world-leaders-meet-2025-06-16/
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Reuters (June 17, 2025). "Mapping the conflict between Israel and Iran." Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/mapping-conflict-between-israel-iran-2025-06-17/
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The Times of Israel (June 17, 2025). "Devastation grows as Iran targets Israel's civilian areas, despite interceptors and shelters." The Times of Israel. https://www.timesofisrael.com/devastation-grows-as-iran-targets-civilian-areas-despite-interceptors-and-shelters/
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The Times of Israel (June 17, 2025). "Iran fires several small missile barrages throughout the day, causing minor injuries." The Times of Israel. https://www.timesofisrael.com/iranian-missiles-impact-central-israel-in-morning-barrage-injuring-5/
Note: All sources accessed and verified on June 18, 2025. URLs confirmed as active at time of publication.
Israel Iran Conflict LIVE: Iran launches hypersonic missiles against Israel in new attack – Firstpost
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