The launch marked the eleventh phase of Iran’s Operation True Promise III. It breached Israeli air defence layers and triggered retaliatory airstrikes from Israel on military sites deep inside Iranian territory. This exchange extended the ongoing cycle of attacks into its sixth consecutive day.
Fattah Missile: A turning point in the Iran–Israel standoff?
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) called the deployment of the Fattah missile a “turning point.” The solid-fuel missile reportedly penetrated Israeli defences and caused fires and damage in central parts of the country. “The powerful and highly maneuverable Fattah missiles repeatedly shook the shelters of the cowardly Zionists tonight, sending a clear message of Iran’s strength to Tel Aviv’s warmongering ally, which continues to dwell in delusions and false assumptions,” the IRGC said.
The footage of the launch went viral, with defence analysts pointing out the missile’s speed and sudden course corrections mid-flight. At a reported speed of Mach 13 to Mach 15, such movements make it difficult to intercept using existing anti-missile systems.
What’s A Hypersonic Missile?
A hypersonic missile can change course mid‑flight while travelling at more than five times the speed of sound (about 6,100 km/h). This high speed and manoeuvrability make it hard to track or intercept. IRGC officials say almost all ballistic missiles briefly reach hypersonic speed when they dive toward a target.
What exactly is the Fattah missile?
The Fattah is a precision-guided, two-stage ballistic missile that uses solid fuel and a movable nozzle for advanced manoeuvrability. It has a range of 1,400 km (around 870 miles) and is capable of operating inside and beyond the Earth’s atmosphere. First unveiled in 2023, it is considered by Iranian officials to be a significant leap in the country’s missile programme.Reports claim the missile is activated using a spherical propellant and can change course in all directions during flight, making detection and interception extremely difficult.
Tactical boost at extreme speed
With the Fattah, Iran has joined the ranks of countries that can produce operational hypersonic missiles—a list that previously included only Russia, China, and India. Unlike traditional missiles, hypersonic weapons combine speed with in-flight agility, enabling them to evade most modern air defence systems.
Press TV said the recent operation was “the most intense so far” and described how multiple Israeli defences failed to stop the Fattah missile barrage.
Israel’s counterstrike targets Iranian military assets
In response to the missile strikes, Israel launched air attacks across Iran. According to the Palestine Chronicle, Israeli fighter jets hit five helicopters at a military base in Kermanshah, a missile production facility, and a site linked to centrifuge manufacturing.
Loud explosions were heard in Tehran. Israel said the strikes were aimed at reducing Iran’s missile and nuclear infrastructure.
What’s next in this fast-escalating conflict?
With both sides displaying new capabilities, the risk of further escalation remains high. Iran’s missile tested Israeli defences in a way not seen before. In turn, Israel’s ability to conduct airstrikes on high-value targets inside Iran shows its long-range operational reach.Military observers say the region is entering a more dangerous phase unless diplomatic efforts resume. But for now, on social media and in military circles alike, all eyes are on the skies—and what comes next.
