Recent reports indicate that variants of the Iranian Shahab-3 series ballistic missiles were utilized in the latest missile attack on Israel. Weapons experts who analyzed verified social media videos from the scene have identified fragments consistent with Shahab-3 variants such as Emad or Ghadr. The Shahab-3, which is the foundation for all of Iran's medium-range ballistic missiles using a liquid-propellant, is believed to be based on a North Korean missile, itself likely derived from Soviet-designed Scud missiles.
According to experts, remnants of an Iranian ballistic missile, including the guidance section and warhead, were observed at the site of a rocket attack at a Shalhavot Chabad School in Gedera. While the exact model of the missile used in the attack is challenging to determine due to the lack of reference images, experts suggest that models like the Kheibar Shekan or Fattah could have been employed.
However, claims that Iran deployed its Fattah 1 hypersonic missile during the attack have been met with skepticism by weapons experts. The Fattah 1 is one of Iran's newest ballistic missiles, and experts believe that Iran would have much to lose by using it in an actual attack. Concerns include the risk of revealing the missile's capabilities to Israel and the potential for failure, which could further expose its capabilities.
Overall, the use of medium-range ballistic missiles like the Shahab-3 series presents challenges in identifying specific models due to the limited diagnostic fragments left behind if the missiles function as intended. The situation underscores the ongoing tensions in the region and the complexities surrounding the use of advanced missile technology in conflicts.
