Iran’s Hypersonic Missile: Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic, issued a fierce battle cry on Wednesday, demanding “no mercy” toward Israelis. At the same time, Iran claimed it launched hypersonic missiles at Israel during the latest round of overnight strikes. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated that its forces executed the 11th wave of the “glorious” Operation Honest Promise 3 by firing Fattah-1 missiles. The IRGC further declared that Iranian forces now have complete control over the skies of the occupied territories. Tehran had previously targeted Jerusalem with hypersonic missiles. On October 1, 2024, Iran launched Operation True Promise II, bombarding Israel with dozens of Fattah-1 missiles. However, this appears to mark the first use of Fattah-1 missiles in the ongoing battle.

What’s A Hypersonic Missile?

Experts often classify hypersonic glide vehicles and hypersonic cruise missiles as “hypersonic” weapons. These advanced missiles pose significant challenges because they travel through Earth’s atmosphere at hypersonic speeds, making them extremely difficult to track or intercept. Hypersonic missiles fly at speeds of Mach 5, five times the speed of sound, or approximately 3,800 miles per hour (6,100 kilometers per hour). However, according to a report by CNN, almost all ballistic missiles also reach hypersonic speeds, especially during their final descent toward targets.

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The Fattah-1 Hypersonic Missile:

Iran introduced its first hypersonic missile, the Fattah-1, in 2023, with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei naming the weapon. Designed to defeat even the most advanced missile defense systems, including Israel’s Arrow and Iron Dome, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) refers to it as the “Israel-striker.” The Fattah-1 measures 12 meters in length, has a range of up to 1,400 kilometers, and carries 200 kg of explosives. According to Iran Watch, it uses a single-stage propulsion system powered by solid fuel.

Equipped with a hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV) warhead, the Fattah-1 can reach speeds of up to 17,900 kilometers per hour, enabling it to bypass enemy defense systems. Although classified as a medium-range missile, its speed and agility enhance its strategic value. Fabian Hinz, a researcher at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, notes that the warhead is mounted on a manoeuvrable reentry vehicle (MaRV). This design allows the missile to shift trajectory briefly during descent, making it harder to track and intercept.

Israel-Iran War:
Israel launched an unprecedented bombing assault against Iranian nuclear and military facilities on Friday. Sparking a long-range blitz that has left both Iran and Israel unflinching despite world worry. Foreign governments have rushed to evacuate their citizens as lethal strikes have hit residential areas in both countries since the battle began. Israel says it has killed Gholam Ali Rashid, the previous Iranian commander, and senior Iranian officer Ali Shadmani.

Also Read: Israel vs. Iran Military Power: Missiles & Strategy

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