A long-range hypersonic missile was allegedly used by Israel in the attack it launched a few days ago in the Isfahan province of Iran, according to Israeli media.
US officials said Israel launched a missile strike at a military base near Iran’s Isfahan last Friday. Israel has not officially confirmed the strike, while Tehran tried to downplay it, claiming that the attack used small drones “like the toys our children play with,” as Iran’s foreign minister said.
Although it has not been clarified what kind of weapon was used in the attack, Israel’s Kan network, according to The Times of Israel newspaper, claimed that Israel used an air-to-surface Rampage missile, noting that it recognized it in the photos and that the damage caused to the hit is consistent with an attack by such a missile.
The “invincible” Israeli Rampage hypersonic missile
The Rampage missile was developed by the Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) for use against targets such as “command and communication centers, air bases, infrastructure and equipment maintenance centers,” according to the company’s website, which includes a video of a simulated Rampage attack.
This missile weighs about half a ton, can reach supersonic speeds of 2,000 km/h, has a range of 300 km and uses a GPS/INS navigation system, while having anti-jamming systems. According to the Israeli network KAN this missile is almost impossible to intercept due to the high speed it develops.
What weapons Israel may have used in its attack on Iran – The BBC explains
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Western officials said the strike in Isfahan province was intended to show Israel to Iran that it can penetrate its air defense systems.
Reports said last year that Britain’s Royal Air Force was considering acquiring advanced Israeli Rampage missiles to replenish its stockpile as it donated many of its Storm Shadow missiles to Ukraine.
Costing a few hundred thousand dollars, the Rampage missile is seen as a cheaper but equally effective alternative to Western missiles such as the Storm Shadow, which cost around three million dollars each.
Tags: Israeli media Israel hit Iran Rampage hypersonic missile week
