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ballistic missiles

Ballistic missiles are rocket-propelled projectiles that follow a suborbital trajectory to deliver warheads to a target. In the Middle Eastern theater, they represent the primary strategic tool used by the Iranian regime and its proxies to threaten Israeli population centers and military infrastructure from long distances.

The Zioneer Intelligence Desk
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Ballistic missiles are distinguished from cruise missiles by their flight path: they are launched into the upper atmosphere or space before descending toward their target at hypersonic speeds under the influence of gravity. This high-altitude trajectory and extreme velocity make them significantly more difficult to intercept than standard rockets or drones, requiring advanced multi-layered defense systems such as Israel's Arrow 2 and Arrow 3. For the Iranian-led axis, the ballistic missile arsenal serves as a pillar of strategic deterrence and a means of direct kinetic confrontation. Since early 2026, the Islamic Republic has transitioned from using these weapons via regional proxies to launching direct strikes from Iranian territory. A critical escalation occurred on June 7-8, 2026, when the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force launched multiple barrages targeting Israeli population centers and military infrastructure, including the Ramat David Airbase. While the IRGC claimed successful impacts, Israeli defense reports indicated that the majority of launches were intercepted or fell in open areas. In response, the IDF launched Operation 'Roar of the Lion,' conducting two waves of airstrikes involving dozens of fighter jets. These strikes targeted Iran's air defense array and strategic petrochemical facilities, such as the Karun Mahshahr complex, which produce critical components for ballistic missile fuel and manufacturing. The IDF has characterized these direct Iranian launches as a 'grave mistake' and is preparing for a multi-day campaign to degrade the regime's long-range strike capabilities.

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Full Reports

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  • Israeli Jets Strike Air Defense Sites and Petrochemical Plant in Southern Iran

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