Iran, located about 1000 kilometers from Israel, has launched a significant attack involving long-range missiles and drones against Israel.
The majority of the weapons deployed in the attack on Saturday were successfully intercepted by air defense systems, highlighting the sophisticated nature of the weaponry used.
In a bold move on Saturday night, Iran initiated a drone and missile attack on Israel. The devices reached Israeli airspace around 1 a.m. local time on Sunday, where most of them were neutralized by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). Several of the drones and missiles did not even reach Israeli territory, as they were shot down over Syria, Iraq, and Jordan by the American military stationed in those countries.
Soon after the attack, Iran communicated through its UN representation that the action was in retaliation for previous attacks by Israel, particularly emphasizing an airstrike on its consulate in Damascus. U.S. President
Joe Biden condemned the action, which, as it emerged, had been briefed to the White House by Tehran just a day prior. He warned Israel that the United States would not support it in the event of an attack on Iran.
Iran’s Arsenal of Drones
Since the attack on Saturday night, it has been revealed that Iran launched approximately 120 missiles and more than 170 drones towards Israel. One notable drone, named GÁZA, is considered Tehran's top-tier drone, with a wingspan of 21 meters, satellite communication capabilities, and a range of 2000 kilometers. Developed in response to the American MQ-9A Reaper drone (which was involved in the 2020 strike killing Qasem Soleimani of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard’s Quds Force), the Gáza can carry up to 13 precision bombs.
Another drone, the SAHED-129, has been in production since 2012 and can carry four explosives at a time, achieving ranges slightly less than the Gáza at 1700 kilometers, and can stay airborne for up to 24 hours without landing.
The SAHED-136 and SAHED-131 drones, also used in the attack, are disposable drones designed to explode upon impacting their target. The SAHED-136 can carry 30-50 kg of explosives, while the SAHED-131 can be equipped with up to 15 kg, with ranges of 2000 km and 900 km respectively.
Moreover, the MOHAJER-10, developed in August 2023, is a part of Iran's drone force, capable of carrying 300 kg of explosives over a 2000 km range and remaining airborne for 24 hours.
Iran’s Missile Capabilities
Iran also launched 30 cruise missiles towards Israel on Saturday night, of which, according to Israeli reports, 25 failed to reach their target. The United States intelligence has previously noted that Iran possesses the most extensive ballistic missile arsenal in the region. Israel identifies nine Iranian missile types that can reach its territory. Among them, the SEJIL can travel up to 2500 km at speeds up to 17,000 km/h and carry a warhead weighing between 500-1500 kg.
The KHEIBÁR missile, introduced last year, has a range of 2000 km and can deliver a bomb weighing up to 1500 kg. Another notable missile is the HADZS KÁSZEM, named after Qassem Soleimani, capable of carrying a 500 kg warhead at 12 times the speed of sound for up to 1400 km.
Additionally, Iran retains the KH-55, a Soviet-era cruise missile with a 3000 km range. Although not the latest in military technology, its range makes it a significant asset.
Iran has also developed the KHALID FARZH missile specifically against ships. With a range of only 300 km, it can deliver 1000 kg of explosives, likely not used in the Saturday attack due to its short range.