Overview of the Iranian Missile Strike
On October 1, 2024, Iran executed a significant military operation by launching 200 missiles towards Israel. This aggressive action, the largest of its kind to date, was stated by Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian as a retaliation against Israel’s recent actions against Hamas and Hezbollah leaderships, which are supported by Iran. The Iranian arsenal primarily consisted of Shahab-3 ballistic missiles, complemented by the newly introduced hypersonic missile, the Fattah, marking its first usage in a military conflict.
Technical Specifications of the Missiles Used
The Fattah missile, a hypersonic ballistic type, was unveiled by Iran in June 2023. It boasts an impressive range of 1,400 kilometers (870 miles) and can travel at speeds between Mach 13 and 15. Its capability is enhanced by a Maneuverable reentry vehicle (MaRV), allowing the missile to alter its trajectory during reentry for precise targeting. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed a 90% success rate in hitting the intended targets, although this was contradicted by Israeli sources which confirmed that most missiles were intercepted.
Israel’s Defensive Measures
Israel’s defense against such attacks traditionally relies on the Iron Dome system, adept at intercepting short-range rockets. However, the Iron Dome is not equipped to handle the high-speed ballistic threats such as those posed by the Shahab-3 or hypersonic missiles. Instead, Israel utilizes the David’s Sling system for medium-range threats, and the Arrow-2 and Arrow-3 systems for longer-range missiles, the latter capable of engaging targets outside the atmosphere.
During this attack, the US military support was evident as the Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, USS Cole and USS Bulkeley, were deployed in the Eastern Mediterranean, launching interceptors to aid Israel. This action underscores the strategic military alliances and the US commitment to Israel’s defense. Additionally, the deployment of US aircraft squadrons ahead of the attack highlights a proactive approach in regional security management.
Impact on Civil Aviation
Significantly, the attack had repercussions on civil aviation, with commercial flights like British Airways flight BA107 from London-Heathrow to Dubai having to be diverted to Cyprus due to the close proximity of missile trajectories. This incident raises concerns about the safety of commercial air traffic during such military conflicts and the need for stringent measures to protect civilian lives.
Geopolitical Implications
The missile attack by Iran not only escalates tensions in the Middle East but also has broader geopolitical implications. It tests the effectiveness of international defense collaborations and the readiness of neighboring nations to manage airspace security during conflicts. The involvement of the US and the responsiveness of Jordanian air defenses reflect a complex and multi-layered geopolitical landscape that requires coordinated international strategies to maintain regional stability.