On June 19, 2025, Iran launched a missile attack on Israel using a ballistic missile equipped with cluster bombs (cluster munitions) for the first time. This attack took place in Israel's densely populated Gush Dan area, sparking global concern.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that this missile burst in the air, scattering about 20 small explosive bombs (submunitions) over an 8-kilometer radius. Let's delve into what cluster bombs are, how they are connected to missiles, and their level of danger.
What are Cluster Bombs?
Cluster bombs are weapons that, upon explosion in the air, release dozens or hundreds of smaller explosive bombs (submunitions). These small bombs disperse over a wide area, causing significant damage to densely populated areas or military targets. They are also known as wide-area dispersal weapons because they can target multiple objectives at once.
How do they work?
Cluster bombs are packed inside a larger bomb or missile. When the missile approaches its target, its warhead (explosive section) explodes at an altitude of typically 7-10 kilometers. This releases the small bombs, which scatter over a large area, exploding upon hitting the ground.
Weight and Power
The submunitions used in Iran's missile weighed about 2.5 kilograms each and had explosive power akin to small rockets. These bombs are light, but their number and dispersal make them dangerous.
Source: aajtak
Types of Cluster Bombs
Cluster bombs can be explosive, incendiary, or anti-tank. The missile used by Iran contained explosive submunitions designed to inflict damage in civilian areas.
How did Iran use Cluster Bombs?
On the morning of June 19, 2025, Iran launched around 20 ballistic missiles at Israel, with at least one carrying a warhead of cluster bombs. Israel's Home Front Command reported that this missile exploded 7 kilometers above the Gush Dan area (a densely populated area including Tel Aviv and its surroundings), dispersing about 20 small bombs over an 8-kilometer radius.
Impact:
One of these small bombs damaged a house in Azor city with an impact similar to a small rocket. Some bombs failed to explode upon landfall, increasing the risk to civilians.
Source: aajtak
Damage:
The attack damaged buildings in Soroka Hospital (Be'er Sheva), Tel Aviv, Holon, and Ramat Gan. Magen David Adom reported 89 injuries in Gush Dan, with 6 in serious condition. Fortunately, there were no direct casualties from the cluster bombs.
Type of Missile:
Israeli security officials suspect the missile could have been a Sejjil or Khorramshahr, advanced ballistic missiles from Iran. Some experts suggest it was equipped with Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicle (MIRV) technology, capable of targeting multiple objectives.
How are Cluster Bombs connected to missiles?
Cluster bombs are configured inside missiles...
Warhead Design:
The missile's warhead (explosive section) is specially designed to hold dozens of small bombs packed in a container, which opens mid-air.
Trigger Mechanism:
The missile contains a sensor or timer instructing the warhead to explode at a certain altitude (e.g., 7 kilometers), releasing the submunitions.
Dispersion:
The small bombs scatter uncontrollably in the air, falling to the ground due to gravity. Some bombs may have a simple guidance system, but in Iran's case, they lacked guidance, making them even more dangerous.
Explosion:
Designed to explode upon impact, these bombs sometimes fail due to technical glitches, posing long-term threats.
Source: aajtak
Why are Cluster Bombs dangerous?
The indiscriminate nature of cluster bombs and their long-term threats make them controversial...
Large Impact Area:
Small bombs dispersed from one missile can affect an area of 8-10 kilometers, endangering both civilians and military targets. In densely populated areas like Gush Dan, they are extremely lethal.
Indiscriminate Attack:
Cluster bombs lack precision, indiscriminately damaging civilians, homes, and hospitals. Israel alleges that Iran deliberately targeted civilian areas.
Unexploded Bombs (Duds):
Many submunitions do not detonate on impact and remain on the ground for years, posing risks to children or civilians who might accidentally touch them. Israel's Home Front Command warned that several bombs in Azor remain unexploded, advising people to stay away.
Humanitarian and Legal Concerns:
Cluster bombs are prohibited under the 2008 Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM) by 111 countries. However, neither Iran nor Israel is a signatory. Still, their use may be considered a war crime, especially if civilians are targeted.
Long-term Threat:
An example of their prolonged danger is Russia's cluster bomb attack in Dobropillia, Ukraine, in March 2025, causing 11 deaths and injuring 40.
Why is Iran's move concerning?
New Shift in Warfare:
This marks the first use of cluster bombs by Iran against Israel. Previously, Iran used them during the Iran-Iraq War in 1984.
Civilian Attack:
Israel claims Iran deliberately targeted densely populated areas like Gush Dan to cause civilian casualties. The attack on Soroka Hospital exemplifies this, injuring 71 people.
Risk of Retaliatory Action:
Israel has launched retaliatory strikes on Iran's nuclear and missile facilities. The use of cluster bombs might prompt Israel to take even firmer actions, escalating the conflict.
Source: aajtak
International Reaction:
The use of cluster bombs raises humanitarian and legal controversies, and even though Iran and Israel are not CCM signatories, the international community may still denounce it.
Israel's Response
Warning:
Israel's Home Front Command cautioned civilians not to touch any suspicious items in Azor and surrounding areas. Bomb disposal units are actively working to neutralize these bombs.
Awareness Campaign:
The IDF has launched public announcements and graphics to raise awareness about the dangers of cluster bombs.
Military Action:
Israel conducted airstrikes on Iran's military bases, nuclear facilities (such as Natanz and Arak), and missile production centers, stating that a more severe response is to come against Iran's cluster bomb attack.
