Frisco

Israel’s weapons for a possible Iranian attack – Israel News

Bronwen Cerys October 18, 2024

Over the past few decades, Israel’s defense establishment has invested billions in preparing for a possible attack on Iran, developing specialized munitions in the process. Some of these capabilities were revealed only after the sale to foreign air forces. Here’s what can be announced as part of these preparations.

Last month, Israel carried out another attack in Yemen, deploying F-15 jets from a base 1,100 miles (1,800 kilometers) away, showcasing its famous improvisation skills. These aircraft, originally designed for air combat, were converted in Israel for attack missions. The Israeli Air Force also equipped them to carry modern ammunition from American and Israeli manufacturers.

However, an attack on Iran, despite a similar distance, presents a far more complex challenge.

Unlike less protected targets such as oil terminals, Iran’s nuclear facilities and missile bases lie deep underground. In addition, Iran has an advanced air defense system, developed primarily domestically. According to their claims, this system, which is yet to be tested, matches the capabilities of Russian systems such as the S-300, which can intercept missiles fired by Israel. However, the Israel-attributed attack on Isfahan following the Iranian attack in April was not intercepted by these advanced defenses. Iran also maintains an aging fleet, including Russian MiG-29s and Shah-era American F-14s, which continue to operate despite international sanctions.

Faced with these challenges, the Israel Defense Forces have been preparing for a possible attack on Iran for 20 years, investing billions of dollars and shekels. These investments include the development of special ammunition, some of which even the USA refused to sell to Israel, as well as innovations that were not available to the USA.

The Iron Dome anti-aircraft missile system is seen during operational testing following the conclusion of Operation Shield and Arrow on May 14, 2023 (Photo: MINISTRY OF DEFENSE)

Noticeable from 1,800 km away

Attacks at a distance of about 2,000 kilometers are typically carried out by American and Russian forces using cruise missiles and bombers. However, Israel has allocated significant portions of its U.S. aid to the acquisition of fighter jets capable of flying for two hours each – from advanced F-15I squadrons to four F-16I Sufa squadrons.

Lockheed Martin has developed compliant fuel tanks specifically for these jets, increasing their range without significantly affecting aerodynamics or radar signature.

Foreign reports indicate that Israel has developed removable fuel tanks for F-35 jets, allowing them to reach Iran while maintaining their stealth capabilities. Without this, their range is inadequate and standard armor under the wings compromises much of their stealth.

Long-range attack missiles

In the late 2000s, the Israeli defense industry introduced two long-range attack missiles fired from fighter jets. While details such as their exact range remain unclear, they are known to have a range of hundreds of kilometers, allowing attacks from beyond the reach of Iran’s defenses. These missiles travel at supersonic speeds, reducing enemy alert times and complicating interception efforts, thus increasing their chances of hitting the target.

Rampage rocket

The Rampage was developed in collaboration between Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Elbit Systems and is based on Elbit’s EXTRA rocket. Originally designed for ground takeoff, the Rampage was adapted for use in the air, gaining greater range and speed when taking off with jets. It has multiple navigation systems that provide redundancy for accurate target acquisition.

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Measuring 4.7 meters long, 30.6 cm in diameter and weighing 570 kg, it carries a 150 kg warhead, making it effective against missile batteries, command centers and other critical targets. It can be launched by Israeli aircraft F-15, F-16 and F-35. Because it relies on existing rocket technology, it is relatively affordable, estimated to cost a few hundred thousand dollars per unit.

Rocks rocket

Unveiled in 2019 by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, the Rocks missile combines supersonic flight capabilities with satellite and inertial navigation and optical targeting. It is based on Rafael’s Anchor missile, which for test purposes imitates the Iranian Shahab missile in terms of speed and maneuverability.

The Rocks can be launched by smaller F-16 jets and possibly the F-35. Foreign estimates suggest it has a range of 300 km and can carry a 500 kg warhead, making it capable of attacking fortified or underground structures.

Further developments

Foreign sources indicate that Israel has a surface-to-surface missile system equipped with both conventional and nuclear warheads, known as the Jericho missiles. Despite the hundreds of ballistic missiles that Iran has fired at Israel, the likelihood of Israel using these missiles in an attack appears slim. These missiles were originally developed by the French company Dassault and later modernized by IAI.

Israel maintains a policy of ambiguity regarding its capabilities in this area, often announcing “missile propulsion tests” during launches from its Palmachim base. However, the unveiling of the Shavit satellite carrier in 1988 confirmed Israel’s long-range ballistic capabilities, as each satellite carrier can be adapted for military purposes. Therefore, these missiles are expected to remain off the table for now.

In addition, Elbit has developed bunker-destroying bombs called 500 MPR, which can penetrate up to four meters of concrete. These bombs, tested on F-15I jets, have a shorter range, reaching a few tens of kilometers depending on the method of deployment.

PopEye Turbo

Another Israeli weapon known only from foreign reports is the Rafael-developed PopEye Turbo cruise missile with a range of 1,500 km. It is designed to be launched by Israeli Navy submarines and can carry both conventional and nuclear warheads. This range allows Israeli submarines to attack Iran from the Red Sea or Arabian Sea without entering the Persian Gulf.

By exporting these advanced munitions to trusted foreign customers, Israeli companies can reinvest in missile and bomb development, reducing costs for the Israeli Ministry of Defense. It is likely that unknown ammunition is being stored in Israeli Air Force warehouses, waiting for the right moment.

Yiamastaverna

Yiamastaverna