SAEDNEWS: Iran’s Sejjil ballistic missile, capable of reaching Tel Aviv in just 7–10 minutes, is drawing global attention as experts warn it could evade Israel’s most advanced defense systems. Analysts believe it represents a major shift in the balance of power in the Middle East.
According to Saed News; Iran’s Sejjil ballistic missile has once again taken center stage in discussions about the evolving military balance in the Middle East. Military experts argue that this solid-fuel, two-stage missile is one of Iran’s most reliable and powerful options in the event of direct confrontation with Israel. With a range of 2,000 kilometers and a speed that allows it to reach Tel Aviv in under 10 minutes, the Sejjil is seen not only as a weapon but as a strategic message.
What makes the Sejjil particularly significant is its design. Unlike earlier Iranian missiles such as the Shahab series, which rely on liquid fuel and take longer to prepare for launch, the Sejjil uses solid propellant. This means faster launch readiness, greater mobility, and a higher degree of survivability against preemptive strikes. It is deployed from mobile platforms or underground silos, making it difficult to detect and neutralize before launch.
The missile is composed of three main sections: Block 1, Block 2, and the warhead. Weighing more than 23 tons and measuring 18 meters in length with a 1.25-meter diameter, the Sejjil carries a 650 kg warhead. Its re-entry speed is estimated at Mach 13, making interception by missile defense systems nearly impossible.
Israel has long relied on its multi-layered missile defense systems, including the American-made Patriot batteries and the domestically developed Arrow-3 interceptor system. While these systems are designed to counter ballistic threats, Iranian military officials and independent analysts claim that Sejjil’s speed, maneuverability, and advanced guidance system could render these defenses ineffective.
The Sejjil-2, an upgraded version, incorporates advanced navigation and guidance systems that increase its accuracy to under 10 meters. Analysts believe it uses a combination of inertial navigation and GPS-based correction, making it one of the most precise weapons in Iran’s arsenal.
Iran’s development of the Sejjil missile is not just about military capability; it carries profound political and psychological implications. The very fact that Israel lies within its effective range alters the security calculus of the region. With a missile that can potentially bypass Israel’s strongest defenses and strike its most vital cities, Iran demonstrates both deterrence and offensive readiness.
The timing of renewed discussions about the Sejjil is also telling. Amid rising tensions between Tehran and Tel Aviv, the missile serves as a reminder of the high stakes any confrontation would entail. For Iran, showcasing its ballistic capabilities is also a way of countering international pressure and signaling that sanctions and restrictions have not slowed its defense advances.
While many countries continue to rely on liquid-fuel ballistic missiles, Iran’s investment in solid-fuel technology puts it in a different league. Solid propellant offers longer storage life, faster launch capability, and reduced logistical challenges. This mirrors global trends where modern missile powers—from the U.S. to Russia and China—prioritize solid-fuel designs for strategic weapons.
The Sejjil’s capability to fly outside the Earth’s atmosphere before re-entering at extreme speeds makes it similar in concept to intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), albeit with a shorter range. This raises questions about whether Iran could extend the Sejjil’s range further with lighter warheads or additional modifications, potentially putting targets beyond the Middle East within its reach.
The Sejjil missile represents more than just a piece of military hardware—it embodies Iran’s strategic approach to deterrence, survival, and projection of power. Its ability to strike Israel within minutes, evade advanced defense systems, and deliver pinpoint accuracy makes it one of the most consequential weapons in the Middle East today.
As tensions persist, one question looms large: if Sejjil is ever launched in combat, will Israel’s much-praised defense shield hold up—or will the missile redefine modern warfare in the region?
