Iran Claims Hypersonic Missile Strike on Israel: Fattah-1 Explained
Amidst escalating tensions, Iran has asserted that it deployed its Fattah-1 hypersonic missile against Israel. This follows reports of explosions in Tel Aviv and Iranian cities.
What is the Fattah-1 Missile?
The Fattah-1, first unveiled in 2023, is described as a domestically produced hypersonic ballistic missile. Iranian media claims it has a range of 1,400 km and the ability to evade any existing defense systems, reaching speeds of up to Mach 14.
Experts note that true hypersonic missiles can change direction throughout their flight, making interception difficult. The Fattah-1 reportedly uses a maneuverable reentry vehicle, allowing it to adjust its trajectory in its final approach.
Hypersonic Weapon Capabilities
Hypersonic weapons, traveling at speeds exceeding Mach 5, are challenging to intercept due to their speed and maneuverability. Defense experts emphasize the difficulty radar systems have in detecting them in time for effective countermeasures.