Iran's unprecedented drone and missile strike on Israel signals rising tensions
The attack of Iran on Israel was only a matter of time - in the attack, over 300 air assault means were used, including Shahed 136 drones. The majority of targets were intercepted by the air defence of Israel and allied countries.
The last few days have seen exceptional tension in the Middle East. American intelligence sources had been predicting that Iranian armed forces were gearing up to retaliate for the bombing of the Iranian consulate in Damascus, which resulted in the death of several soldiers.
Iran carried out a retaliatory attack from Saturday night to Sunday night. It marked the first direct attack by the Islamic Republic on Israel.
A vast arsenal was used
The spokesperson for the Israel Defence Forces (IDF), Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, confirmed that over 300 missiles were launched at Israel by Iran, including 170 drones, about 30 cruise missiles, and roughly 120 ballistic missiles.
In one of the photos from the attack, an unmanned aerial vehicle, Shahed 136, was identified. These drones have been supplied to Russia in recent months and used in attacks on Ukraine.
Shahed-136 drones are categorised as loitering munition capable of creating swarms with special mobile launchers simultaneously carrying and launching five drones. Attacks by such formations pose a significant threat as numerous devices can overwhelm air defence systems, leading to extensive damage.
Although the full specifications of these drones remain undisclosed, they are produced by Shahed Aviation under the IRGC. These drones have an effective flight range of about 621 miles (1000 km) and a maximum range of around 967 miles (1553 km). They can likely carry warheads weighing about 110 pounds (50 kg) and reach speeds of around 111 mph (180 km/h).
The majority of targets were shot down
The armed forces confirmed that 99% of the assault means were intercepted by the air defence of Israel and allied countries - with Jordanians, British, and Americans assisting in the defence. Drones and cruise missiles were shot down even beyond the nation's borders.
The "Arrow" long-range air defence system intercepted most of the 120 ballistic missiles. However, some missiles breached the air defence and struck Nevatim Air Base in the south of Israel.
The IDF spokesperson mentioned that the base experienced "minor damages" to its infrastructure, but the air base is operational and continues to carry out its duties.
The situation is still tense
The diplomatic mission of Iran to the UN stated that the military actions of Iran were a "response to the Zionist regime’s aggression against our diplomatic premises in Damascus. The matter can be deemed concluded".
This statement does not signal the end of the conflict. Reports are surfacing that Israel might retaliate against the Iranian attack.
Iran has also not ruled out further attacks. "Our response will be much larger than tonight's military action if Israel retaliates against Iran," warned the head of the armed forces, General Mohammad Bagheri.
