The first major ballistic missiles in history were Nazi Germany’s V2 rockets, which were deployed during WWII exactly 80 years ago. These missiles killed thousands—mainly in London—injured tens of thousands, and caused massive destruction.
A. Background
Over the years, ballistic missile technology has dramatically advanced. Many countries now possess missiles of all sizes and ranges.
For the past 20 years, ballistic missiles have posed the greatest threat to Israel, originating from Syria, Gaza, Lebanon, Iraq, Iran, and Yemen.
Iran—a large Shiite Muslim nation—has openly pursued Israel’s destruction for the last 40 years. Lacking a significant air force, Iran instead built the world’s largest long-range ballistic missile industry. Many of these rockets have been supplied to its terror proxies, especially Hezbollah.
B. Why Iranian ballistic missiles are dangerous
They can carry heavy warheads (up to 1,000 kg) for over 2,000 km. A direct or near-direct hit on a building causes immense damage.
Launched from mobile truck platforms, they don’t require airfields.
These launchers are often hidden underground, making detection and targeting difficult.
Their flight speed averages around 3 km per second, reaching targets within minutes.
Much of their flight occurs at high altitudes and extreme speeds, making interception very difficult—fighter jets cannot intercept them.
Their massive kinetic energy from weight and speed causes even greater destruction.
Intercepting them is extremely costly—up to 10 times more expensive than the missile itself. This imbalance risks depleting defensive missile stockpiles and weakening homeland protection.
They are often launched in large salvos, overwhelming missile defense systems.
Only Israel’s expensive Arrow missiles can intercept those launched from Iran or Yemen.
C. Their weaknesses
Their large size makes them easier to detect and hit.
Production is expensive—often over $1 million per missile.
They lack precision and often can’t strike defined targets.
Some have relatively small warheads.
D. The future threat
Quantity: Iran aims to produce 3,000 ballistic missiles per year, reaching up to 20,000 in a few years—no country can defend against such numbers.
Quality: Plans to increase warhead weight to 1 ton and improve targeting accuracy to strike specific buildings would multiply their destructive potential tenfold.
Conclusion
Ballistic missiles are as dangerous as nuclear weapons. Israel must not compromise—every Iranian missile production facility must be destroyed.