Iran’s Hypersonic Fattah-1 and Fateh-110 Outpace Iron Dome During Missile Strike on Israel

Iran's missile strike on Israel on October 1 involved 180 missiles, including the advanced hypersonic Fattah-1 as well as ballistic missiles such as the Fateh-110 and Haj Qasem. The strike bypassed Israel’s US-funded Iron Dome system, designed to intercept various missile threats.

According to Iranian state media, 90% of the missiles struck their targets in Israel. Iran's U.N. Ambassador Amir Saied Iravani justified the attack as an act of retaliation, aimed at restoring "balance and deterrence" in response to Israel's actions in Gaza and Lebanon. Iran also hinted that further escalation could be avoided if Israel ceased its military operations in those regions.

Following the attack, Israel stated it would respond with significant force if further aggression occurred. Israeli U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon remarked that future actions from Iran would lead to serious consequences. This exchange took place during a United Nations Security Council meeting, heightening concerns about the potential for the conflict to expand beyond the region.

The U.S. State Department downplayed the impact of the missile strike, calling it "defeated and ineffective," though other analysts believe Iran’s primary objective was to deplete Israel’s defense systems in preparation for future attacks. Defense analyst Dan Sabbagh pointed out that Israel’s missile interceptor systems, while sophisticated, are expensive, and the country’s stocks of these interceptors remain uncertain. US estimates from two years prior suggest Iran still holds around 3,000 ballistic missiles in reserve, but these figures may be outdated as Iran continues to develop its missile arsenal.

Iran’s Missile Technology, North Korean Influence and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Space Program

The missile barrage against Israel included a combination of advanced solid-fuel Fateh-class missiles and older liquid-propelled models like the Emad, Badr, and Khorramshahr, according to missile expert Fabian Hinz from the International Institute for Strategic Studies. Hinz pointed out that this blend of technology—advanced missiles alongside outdated liquid-propelled ones—suggests that Iran may have been aiming to overwhelm and exhaust Israel's air defenses. 

The advanced Fateh-class hypersonic missiles use solid-propellant fuel, are more maneuverable and precise - some of which are equipped with Maneuverable Re-entry Vehicles (MaRVs) to evade interception.

Hypersonic missiles like the Fateh-1, with an 870-mile range, and surface-to-surface missiles capable of striking targets 1,200 miles away have raised global concerns. Iran's missile program has developed rapidly, aided by North Korean technology. Some Fateh-class missiles used in the attack featured solid-propellant technology likely acquired from North Korea, improving missile stability and reducing launch preparation time. These advanced missiles are more maneuverable and precise, with some equipped with Maneuverable Re-entry Vehicles (MaRVs) to evade interception.

According to U.S. intelligence estimates, Iran holds approximately 3,000 longer-range ballistic missiles. Besides enhancing Iran’s ability to target distant adversaries it also allows for support of regional allies. Iran has continuously equipped groups like Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Gaza, and the Houthi rebels in Yemen with advanced weaponry, including drones, missiles, and cruise missiles. Western estimates suggest Hezbollah has around 150,000 rockets with modern GPS systems. The Houthis have also claimed to have attacked Tel Aviv using long-range drones in July 2024, which led to Israeli airstrikes on Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen. Iran’s supply of arms to these groups continues to affect regional stability, particularly in areas like the Red Sea, where Houthi attacks persist.

Besides this, Iran's arsenal includes medium-range missiles such as the Shahab-3 and Sajjil, capable of reaching targets up to 2,000 km away. Some of these large-range developments, such as the Sajjil-2, are significant. The Sajjil-2 features the mentioned range of up to 2,000km and was the first long-range missile developed without an existing nuclear capability, although there is no confirmed evidence that Iran has equipped any of its missiles with nuclear warheads. US reports from the United States Institute for Peace (USIP) emphasized, however, that the Sajjil-2’s "baby-bottle" shaped nosecone design could potentially be adapted for nuclear delivery in the future.

Iran’s missile projects are ultimately closely tied to its space program, which has successfully launched satellites into low Earth orbit using rockets like the Simorgh. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Aerospace forces are expected to soon test a satellite launch using an all-solid fuel booster configuration, raising concerns among U.S. experts that such technology could be easily repurposed for long-range ballistic missiles. The ability to launch missiles from hidden underground silos, which Iran has also been developing, adds another layer of complexity to interception efforts by adversaries such as Israel and the United States.

Iran’s Ballistic Missile Transfers to Russia: Global Reactions and Escalating Sanctions Amid Ukraine Conflict

Meanwhile, the international response has been swift, particularly regarding Iran’s missile technology transfers. In addition to its conflict with Israel, Iran has been supplying ballistic missiles to Russia for its war in Ukraine. In January 2024, Iran confirmed it was supplying missiles like the Fateh-110 and Zolfaghar to Russia by sea. These short-range ballistic missiles, with ranges of 300 km and 700 km respectively, can significantly impact Ukrainian infrastructure if deployed. 

Despite Iran’s official denial of supplying these missiles, Western intelligence and reports from sources like Reuters have confirmed the transfers. Russian soldiers are believed to have been trained in Iran to operate these systems. Although the Iranian government officially denied supplying missiles to Russia, multiple sources, including Western intelligence, have confirmed the transfers. Russian soldiers are believed to have been trained in Iran to operate these systems.

Western governments have imposed further sanctions in response, with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announcing such targeting Iran’s missile-related industries. 

Iran’s expanding missile capabilities and its role as a key weapons supplier to regional militias like Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis have significantly heightened tensions across the Middle East. The use of advanced missile technology, including hypersonic and long-range systems, and the ongoing arming of proxy forces, continue to challenge regional stability. Meanwhile, Iran’s growing global reach, as seen through its missile transfers to Russia, further complicates international efforts to contain its influence.

Sources: Reuters, Wall Street Journal, Amwaj.media, X, Armyrecognition.com, The Guardian, NZZ, Axel Springer SE, and other media.