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Israel's Iron Beam is being lauded for its advanced missile defense capabilities. Even though it may use latest defense technology, the Iron Beam is yet to face a challenge from weapons like Iran's Fattah-1 hypersonic missiles. Since Israel attacked Iran on October 26 in response to its ballistic missile attack, Tehran has been considering a retaliation. It could likely deploy the more advanced Fattah-1 hypersonic missile in any future attack.
How advanced is the Fattah-1 hypersonic missile?
Iran's Fattah-1, revealed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in June 2023, is seen as a significant upgrade to Iran's military capabilities. Experts describe the Fattah-1 as fast, precise, and highly maneuverable. It is said to be able to evade top-tier missile defense systems, including the Iron Dome.
Reports suggest that Iran utilised Fattah-1 missiles during the October 1 assault, with many successfully penetrating Israel's layered defenses and hitting targets with deadly accuracy.
Fattah-1 missile capabilities
Developed by the IRGC, the Fattah-1 can reach speeds between Mach 5 and Mach 15 and has a range of approximately 1,400 kilometers. It uses solid fuel for propulsion, which enables rapid acceleration and hypersonic performance. Unlike conventional ballistic missiles, the Fattah-1 can adjust its flight path in real time, making it particularly difficult for defense systems to intercept.
Can the Fattah-1 defeat the Iron Dome?
Given its high speed and maneuverability, the Fattah-1 poses a serious threat to all of Israel's air defense systems, including the Iron Beam, the Iron Dome and Arrow.
While the specific payload capacity of the Fattah-1 is not know, its design shows that it can carry both conventional and nuclear warheads weighing between 350 and 450 kg.
Also, the missile's advanced guidance system allows mid-flight adjustments, which enhances its accuracy in targeting high-value objects. This combination of features makes the Fattah-1 particularly challenging for defensive measures to counter effectively.