Iranian Missile Causes Destruction in Bat Yam, IDF Confirms Increased Warhead Payload
IDF Analysis of Iranian Missile Threat
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have confirmed that Iran is launching missiles with double the explosive payload compared to their previously used projectiles. The missile intercepted in an attack on Bat Yam recently carried a warhead exceeding start ton, in contrast to the 700-kilogram payload of the standard Shahab missile.
According to an IDF military source, Avid Ashkenazi, “Our systems are capable of intercepting both types of missiles.” The Israeli military has indicated that during the recent weeks, multiple Iranian missiles have been identified launching with increased explosive capacity, similar to the missile intercepted on Wednesday evening.
Iranian Claims and Military Specifications
Iran claims that the missile type fired at Israel was the Khorramshahr, which they assert possesses a warhead weighing 1.5 tons. Israeli assessments estimate that the actual weight of the warhead is just over start ton.
The Shahab missiles can typically carry a warhead of approximately 700 kilograms. However, recent developments and enhancements by Iran have increased their missile capabilities in terms of range and speed.
The IDF has been monitoring various missile interceptions over the past week and noted that some of these missiles bore warheads significantly heavier than those of the Shahab 3, which usually ranges from 500 to 700 kilograms.
Evaluation of Bat Yam Incident
The IDF is currently investigating whether the missile that struck a building in Bat Yam was equipped with an enlarged warhead. Military officials emphasize that there is no variation in the detection and interception capabilities for missiles with increased warhead sizes.
On the night of the incident, the missile was intercepted using the Arrow 3 defense system. Due to the missile’s size, the Iron Dome was also employed to carry out secondary interceptions of missile debris. All interception maneuvers were reportedly successful, and larger fragments were neutralized by the Iron Dome system.
As tensions escalate in the region, the IDF continues to assess the evolving missile threats posed by Iran while maintaining readiness to counteract any potential strikes