New Delhi: In a significant escalation of hostilities, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has utilised long range Sejjil-2 medium-range ballistic missile during a strike on Israel. It has raised alarms in both Tel Aviv and Washington.
The launch reportedly occurred as a part of the ongoing “Operation True Promise 3”, which Iran says is a retaliatory campaign against Israeli actions in Gaza and the West Bank.
What is the Sejjil-2?
The Sejjil-2 is one of Iran’s most advanced domestically developed ballistic missiles. It uses a two-staged, solid-fuel propulsion system and has an estimated range of 2,000 to 2,500 kms, capable of hitting all of Israel and the south eastern part of Europe.
The deployment of the Sejjil-2 signals a strategic shift. Unlike Iran’s older liquid-fuel Shahab missiles, the Sejjil-2 can be launched on short notice due to its solid-fuel system, making it harder to detect and intercept before launch. Its mobility and potential for maneuverable reentry (MaRV) make it a formidable addition to Iran’s missile arsenal.
Concerns about Iran’s missile capabilities
This is the first time Iran has publicly acknowledged using the Sejjil-2 in a military operation. This has intensified concerns about the Islamic Republic’s missile capabilities.
While Israel has not confirmed the extent of the damage caused by the missiles in the recent attacks, the use of Sejjil-2 missiles increases the risk. If Iran continues to use theses missiles in active combat, Israel is expected to rethink its air defence strategy, possibly seeking greater support by the US.
Iran-Israel conflict
Israel launched a series of strikes against Iran leading to retaliatory attack by Tehran. The fresh conflict between the 2 countries, raised tensions in the region that is already engulfed by Israel’s military assault on Gaza , which began in October 2023 following Hamas shock attack in Southern Israel.
Israel has said that its initial strike was a preemptive move aimed at stopping Iran from developing its nuclear weapons. Since then, both nations have engaged in a set of repeated hostilities. Iran, however, has constantly denied any ambition to build nuclear arms, asserting that its nuclear program remains peaceful in accordance with the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
Iran launched a counteroffensive, firing over 370 ballistic missiles and drones at Israeli targets. These attacks have resulted in the deaths of 24 people and left hundreds injured in Israel.
