‘Op Honest Promise’: Why Iran Used ‘Fattah-2’ Hypersonic Missiles Against Israel?

Tel Aviv: Iran rained hundreds of missiles on Israel under Operation ‘Honest Promise,’ which for the first time destroyed the Israeli Arrow defence shield system.

According to international media sources, the IRGC fired over 180 ballistic missiles and other rockets, including Fattah-2 hypersonic missiles, which destroyed the Israel radar missile defence system, Arrow 2 and 3.

Fattah-2 Hypersonic Missiles

Fattah- 2 hypersonic missiles are the robust anti-radar detect missiles, which made a massive dent in the Israeli Arrow defence shield system.

Iran's use of the Fattah-2 hypersonic missiles against Israel can be analysed through several key lenses, including military strategy, geopolitical context, and technological advancements. 

Military Strategy
Iran’s deployment of hypersonic missiles shows its military strength and determination against perceived threats from Israel and its allies. Iran's ability to strike quickly and evade missile defence systems sends a strong message to Israel as well as the western world.

Fattah-2s are the most modern and dangerous hypersonic missiles; there are very few air defence systems in the world that can effectively combat them.

Geopolitical Context
The ongoing rivalry between Iran and Israel has escalated over the years, with both nations seeking to assert dominance in the Middle East. Iran’s heavy missile strikes can be seen as a direct response to Israeli military actions, including airstrikes against Iranian targets in Syria.

Technological Advancements

The Fattah-2 hypersonic missile is a highly advanced weapon that can be manoeuvred and glide at speeds between Mach 5 and 20. The Fattah-2 boasts a range of 1,500 km, only slightly more than its predecessor, the Fattah-I, indigenously developed by Iran. With the use of such high-grade weapons, Iran demonstrates its engineering capabilities and deters adversaries through fear of advanced military responses.

Operation Honest Promise
Iran aims to communicate its technological advancements to Western nations, signalling that it cannot be easily contained or intimidated. Hezbollah's acting leader, Naim Kassem, promised the group will fight on following the death of its long-time chief, Hassan Nasrallah, and several of the group's top commanders, who have been assassinated in recent days.