Along with long-range aircraft, missiles, and bunker-busting bombs, the Israeli Air Force holds secret weapons, waiting for the right moment to use them in a strike on Iran.
Israel has invested billions in long-range missiles, bunker-busting bombs, and other specialized munitions over recent decades, all designed for potential attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities. This information surfaced after Israel sold these weapons to foreign air forces, according to The Jerusalem Post.An attack on Iran would be far more complex. In September, Israel demonstrated its military flexibility by launching an F-15 fighter jet strike on Yemen from a base 1,800 km away, showcasing its capability to adapt to long-range missions.
Analysts note that while the distance is similar, an attack on Iran would present far more complex challenges.
Iran’s nuclear facilities and ballistic missile bases are located deep underground, making them harder to target than oil facilities. Additionally, Iran has developed an advanced air defense system primarily built domestically.While these systems have not been tested in combat, Iran asserts that their capabilities rival those of Russian air defense systems like the S-300, which can intercept missiles launched by Israel. Despite international sanctions, Iran also operates a fleet of fighter jets, including Russian MiG-29s and older U.S. F-14s.
Long-range attack aircraft capable of striking targets up to 2,000 km away are commonly utilized by Russian and U.S. forces through cruise missiles and bombers. Israel has invested a substantial portion of its U.S. aid in acquiring fighter jets like the F-15I and F-16I Sufa.While these aircraft were initially designed for air-to-air combat, they have been adapted for Israeli strike missions. The Israeli Air Force further enhances its F-15s to carry advanced munitions from both American and Israeli manufacturers.
Lockheed Martin has designed conformal fuel tanks specifically for these fighter jets, enhancing their range without significantly compromising aerodynamics or radar signature.Additionally, reports suggest that Israel is working on detachable fuel tanks for its F-35 fighter jets, enabling them to reach Iran while preserving their stealth capabilities. Without these fuel tanks, the aircraft’s range would be insufficient.
Long-Range Attack Missile
In the late 2000s, the Israeli defense industry developed two long-range strike missiles designed to be launched from fighter jets. While specific details regarding their attack range remain classified, reports suggest that these missiles can strike targets from hundreds of kilometers away, keeping them outside the Iranian defense zone.Traveling at hypersonic speeds, these missiles minimize enemy warning time and complicate interception efforts, thereby enhancing the likelihood of successfully hitting their targets.
Rampage Missile
The Rampage missile is a collaborative effort between Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Elbit Systems, built on the foundation of Elbit’s EXTRA missile model.Initially designed for ground launch, the Rampage missile was later modified for aerial deployment, enhancing its range and speed when fired from fighter aircraft. It features multiple guidance systems, ensuring redundancy for precise targeting.
The Rampage missile measures 4.7 meters in length, has a diameter of 30.6 centimeters, and weighs 570 kilograms. It is capable of carrying a 150-kilogram warhead, making it effective for striking command centers and various other critical targets.This missile can be launched from Israeli F-15, F-16, and F-35 fighter jets. Considering current missile technology, the Rampage is relatively cost-effective, with an estimated price of several hundred thousand dollars per system.
Rocks Missile
In 2019, defense technology company Rafael introduced the Rocks missile, which integrates hypersonic flight capabilities with satellite navigation, inertial guidance, and an optical targeting system.The Rocks missile is based on Rafael’s Anchor missile and shares similarities in speed and maneuverability with Iran’s Shahab missile.Capable of being launched from F-16 and F-35 fighter jets, the Rocks missile is assessed to have a range of 300 kilometers and can carry a 500-kilogram warhead, making it effective for destroying fortified or underground structures.
Jericho Missile
Foreign sources have disclosed that Israel possesses a surface-to-surface missile system known as the Jericho missile, which is capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear warheads.Despite Iran launching hundreds of ballistic missiles at Israel, the likelihood of Israel using Jericho missiles in response to Iranian attacks is low. The Jericho missiles were initially developed by the French company Dassault and subsequently upgraded by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).In addition to missile development, Israel has created a bunker-busting bomb called the 500MPR, which can penetrate concrete layers up to 4 meters thick. The 500MPR bomb has been tested on the F-15I fighter jet and has a limited range of only a few dozen kilometers, depending on the deployment method.
Popeye Cruise Missile
Another formidable weapon in Israel’s arsenal is the Popeye Turbo cruise missile, developed by Rafael. With a range of 1,500 kilometers, this missile is designed to be launched from Israeli navy submarines and can carry both conventional and nuclear warheads. This range enables Israeli submarines to strike targets in Iran from the Red Sea or the Arabian Sea without needing to enter the Persian Gulf.By exporting these advanced weapons to trusted foreign customers, Israeli companies can reinvest in the development of missiles and bombs, while also reducing costs for the Israeli Defense Ministry. Additionally, it is believed that the Israeli Air Force is storing other secret weapons, ready to be deployed at the opportune moment.
Israel "Locks In" Targets for Potential Attack on Iran: Precise and DangerousAccording to Fox News, Israel has reportedly "finalized" the targets it may strike in Iran in response to a series of missile attacks on October 1. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant warned that the response would be both precise and dangerous.The Times of Israel reported that the Israel Defense Forces provided a list of potential Iranian targets to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Gallant while coordinating secretly with other countries in the Middle East."The objectives are clear; it’s just a matter of time now," a source informed Israel's Kan news agency.
