Sejjil, Iran's highly maneuverable new missile a major threat to Israel; know all about it

In a major escalation of the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel, Tehran has confirmed the use of its long-range Sejjil missile in strikes targeting Israeli military infrastructure. This marks the first time Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has utilized long-range Sejjil missiles, which have a range of 2,000 kilometers, in attacks against Israel.

According to IranWire, the missile strikes were part of Operation True Promise 3, an ongoing series of retaliatory attacks by Iran. Independent observers and military analysts are still working to verify the extent of the damage on Israeli territory, but the IRGC claims to have hit Mossad offices, air force bases, and intelligence centers across the country.

A post on X by Daily Iran Military stated that the “twelfth wave” of the operation included multiple Sejjil launches toward what Iran calls “occupied Palestine.”

What is the Sejjil Missile?

The Sejjil is a two-stage, solid-fuel, surface-to-surface ballistic missile developed by Iran. Its estimated range is up to 2,000 kilometers (1242 Miles), which can strike deep within enemy territory, including all regions of Israel and southeastern Europe. The missile measures 18 meters (59 feet) in length and can deliver a payload of approximately 700 kilograms (1,543 pounds).

Unconfirmed reports exist of other variants of this missile with a maximum range of 4,000 km (2485 miles).

Unlike older liquid-fuel missiles, Sejjil's solid-fuel propulsion means faster launch times, easier mobility, and greater survivability against pre-emptive strikes.

The missile is highly maneuverable and designed to avoid enemy detection systems, increasing its chances of penetrating advanced air defense shields such as Israel’s Iron Dome and Arrow systems. Iran has showcased the Sejjil as a symbol of its indigenous defense technology and deterrence power.

Could the Sejjil Missile be a game changer for Iran?

The deployment of the Sejjil could represent a turning point in the Israel-Iran conflict. The missile’s long range allows Iran to hit Israel without launching from proxies like Hezbollah in Lebanon or militias in Syria or Iraq. Its solid-fuel engine also means less preparation time before launch, giving Israel’s defense systems less warning and reaction time.

If the IRGC’s claims about breaching Israeli defenses are accurate, it raises questions about the effectiveness and resilience of Israel’s multi-layered air defense, especially under the stress of coordinated drone and missile attacks.

While Israel has not confirmed the extent of damage caused by these latest attacks, the use of Sejjil missiles raises the stakes. If Iran continues to use them in active combat, Israel may be forced to adjust its air defense strategy, possibly seeking greater support from the US or launching direct strikes inside Iranian territory.