On June 19, 2025, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) fired a medium-range ballistic missile, the Sejil, at Israel. This marked the first time this missile was used in combat. Iran claims this missile was part of Operation True Promise 3, targeting Israeli military bases. However, Israel stated that it successfully destroyed the missile in mid-air, causing only minor damage to a vehicle from its remnants.
What is the Sejil Missile?
The Sejil, meaning 'brimstone' or 'baked clay' in Persian, is an advanced, two-stage, solid-fuel medium-range ballistic missile (MRBM) developed by Iran. It is an upgraded version of Iran's older Shahab missiles, which utilized liquid fuel.
Sejil's development began in the late 1990s, and its first successful test occurred on November 13, 2008. The missile is entirely designed and manufactured in Iran, building on the experience of shorter-range missiles.
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Source: aajtak
The Sejil missile stands out due to its solid propulsion, allowing for quicker launches since liquid-fuelled missiles require time-consuming fueling beforehand, making them easier targets. The Sejil can be launched from mobile road-based launchers, making it easier to conceal and relocate.
Sejil Missile Features
According to data published by Iran in 2011 and various credible sources, the main features of the Sejil missile include...
Type: Medium-Range Ballistic Missile (MRBM)
Stages: Two-stage with a detachable warhead (explosive part).
Launch Method: Vertical launch, but capable of launch at variable angles.
Maximum Range: 2000 kilometers (some sources suggest 2400-2500 km)
Weight: 23,623 kilograms (approximately 23.6 tons)
Length: 17.57 meters (some sources list 18 meters)
Diameter: 1.25 meters
Warhead Weight: 500-700 kilograms (up to 1000 kg in some sources)
Speed: Mach 13 (approximately 17,000 km/hour)
Guidance System: Inertial Navigation and GPS for precision targeting.
Launch Platform: Mobile road-launchers or stationary launch pads.
Special Feature: Radar-evading coating, complicating missile defenses.
Nuclear Capability: Capable of carrying nuclear weapons, although, Iran states it's only for conventional explosives.
The Attack of June 19, 2025: First Combat Use
On June 19, 2025, the IRGC claimed to have launched three Sejil missiles towards Israel under Operation True Promise 3. Targeted near Soroka Hospital and the Military Intelligence Headquarters in Tel Aviv, Israel disputed Iran's claims, stating its Arrow 2 and Arrow 3 missile defense systems intercepted them, with minimal vehicular damage from debris.
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Israel's Response:
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) asserted that they intercepted the Sejil missiles using their Arrow defense systems. According to IDF, the debris caused only minor vehicular damage.
Damage Report:
The Iranian attack caused building damage in areas around Tel Aviv, Beersheba, and Holon. Magen David Adom reported 89 injuries, with 6 in critical condition, but no substantial damage directly from the Sejil missiles.
Analysis:
Experts believe that firing just three Sejil missiles was intended to send a message. Iran likely wanted to demonstrate its military prowess without escalating into a full-blown war.
Source: aajtak
Sejil Missile's Technical Importance
The Sejil missile marks a significant advancement in Iran's missile program, offering several technical advantages...
Solid Fuel Advantage:
Solid-fuel missiles launch swiftly as they don't need pre-launch fueling, making them less susceptible to pre-launch destruction.
Mobile Launch Capabilities:
Road-launched by trucks, the Sejil can be hidden easily, aligned with Iran's "hit-and-run" tactic.
Accuracy:
Fitted with Inertial Navigation and GPS systems for an impressive accuracy window, targeting within 50 meters. It’s more precise than its Shahab predecessors.
Radar Evasion:
The Sejil-2 has anti-radar coatings, reducing its visibility to defense systems.
Nuclear Carriage:
While Iran insists the Sejil carries only conventional explosives, experts consider its warhead capable of nuclear armament.
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The Sejil's Development and History
1990s: Development begins, based on solid-fuel technology from Zalzal missiles with technical support from China.
2008: First successful test, achieving an 800 km range.
2009: Testing of the Sejil-2, featuring improved navigation and guidance systems, achieving a 1900 km range to the Indian Ocean.
2014: The Sejil enters service with the IRGC.
2025: First combat use, during the assault on Israel.
Sejil's Strategic Importance
The Sejil missile reflects Iran's
