Iran launched dozens of drones at Israel in response to an attack on a consulate in Damascus, claiming the start of an “anti-Zionist operation,” according to the White House National Security Council. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel had been preparing for a potential direct attack from Iran and had their air defenses deployed and ready for any scenario. The drones used by Iran in this attack included models capable of hitting ground, sea, and air targets, with longer-range variants carrying up to 1,100 pounds of munitions or electronic equipment.
Iran has focused on developing drones and missiles as part of its military strategy, given its weaker air force and navy. The country has produced numerous models of drones, including suicide drones that explode on impact and combat drones that can return to base after hitting targets. The larger combat drones, like the Shahed-149, can hit targets up to 1,200 miles away, while the suicide drones, such as the Arash series, can carry nearly 600 pounds of explosives and reach targets over 1,200 miles away. Many of the Iranian drones are equipped with surveillance capabilities to mark bombing targets.
The potential Iranian attack on Israel has prompted President Biden to cut short a beach trip and be updated by his national security team. Israeli experts remain confident in their Iron Dome system’s ability to handle the slower suicide drones, but they are also preparing for possible attacks using Iran’s diverse cruise missile arsenal. Iran is reported to have over 3,000 ballistic missiles in addition to its cruise missiles, with improvements in precision and accuracy over the past decade. The country’s cruise missile arsenal includes models like the Soumar, Hoveizeh, Ya Ali, and the recently introduced Paveh, capable of hitting targets over 1,000 miles away.
Iran’s most recently introduced drone model, the Mohajer-10, was unveiled in 2023 and boasts both combat and intelligence capabilities, potentially carrying up to 660 pounds of explosives. The country has also developed drones inspired by U.S. and Israeli models in terms of shape, though not necessarily hardware. Israeli experts believe the Iron Dome system will be able to counter the incoming waves of drones, while remaining watchful for potential cruise missile attacks. Iran Watch has identified four types of cruise missiles in Tehran’s arsenal, with the most recently revealed Paveh model having a range of over 1,000 miles and posing a significant conventional threat.
