This report has some specs on these ballistic missiles which have been somewhat effective, with a quoted accuracy of 10-25 meters. But given what they’re hitting for the most part, you’d have to suspect it’s not that good or succumbs to signal interference by Israel, though they are getting through their air defenses. Consequently, this does give credence to Israel saying a reason for attacking Iran was they didn’t want this ballistic missile program to advance further as well as them stockpiling which I think was 600 missiles per year as they ramp up production. And the linked to article had several videos I didn’t include below.
Iran launched nearly three dozen ballistic missiles, including some of the latest in its arsenal, at Israel in three waves early on June 18.
The first wave, which included some 15 missiles, was carried out around 12:40 a.m local time. Just 40 minutes later, the second wave with at least ten missiles was launched. A third wave made up of just five missiles was reported around around 8:00 later in the morning.
Sirens sounded across a large swath of Israel amid the attacks, and dozens of interceptors were launched. Still, multiple impacts were reported in the center of the country, some close to the city of Tel Aviv. At least one of the impact was apparently caused by a failed Arrow interceptor. There were no reports of any casualties by Hebrew media, however.
The Arrow 2 and 3 anti-missile systems were designed to intercept ballistic missiles at altitudes of 50 and 100 kilometers, respectively. Both systems feature complex guidance systems combining infrared and radar homing. They are considered Israel’s first line of defense against ballistic missiles.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps later announced that hypersonic ballistic missiles were used in the early morning attacks.
“The 11th wave of the proud Operation Honest Promise 3 using Fattah-1 missiles” was carried out, the IRGC said in a statement carried by state television, claiming that Iranian forces “have gained complete control over the skies of the occupied territories.”
The Fattah can travel at 13 times the speed of sound and have a range of up to 1,400 kilometers. The missile features a satellite-aided inertial navigation system with a reported circular error probable of 10-25 meters.
Hypersonic missiles like the Fattah reach their top speed at low altitudes in the atmosphere, which makes them extremely difficult to track and intercept.
Iran has so far launched hundreds of missiles at Israel in response to the ongoing attack on its nuclear program and military capabilities. The attacks, which claimed the lives of at least 24 people and left 500 others wounded, have begun to impact the defensive capabilities of Israel.
The Wall Street Journal reported on June 18, citing a United States official, that Israel was running low on Arrow missile interceptors.
The Arrow system is not however Israel’s only defense against Iranian missiles. The U.S. already has multiple Patriot and THAAD anti-missile systems, as well as Aegis-equipped destroyers deployed in the Middle East to aid in the defense of the country.
U.S. systems will likely take the lead in defending Israel in the coming days. This is not surprising considering that Washington is preparing to join the attack on Iran. It is unclear how the Islamic republic will respond to the U.S. growing involvement.