Iran’s reported use of the Sejjil ballistic missile for the first time in a recent wave of attacks has drawn attention to one of the most advanced systems in Tehran’s arsenal , key to compensate the country’s lack of a large modern air force.
The Sejjil is a long-range, solid-fuel ballistic missile developed as part of Iran’s efforts to modernise its missile programme and reduce reliance on older liquid-fuel systems, according to Fars news agency.
It was first unveiled in 2008 and has since been regarded by Iranian officials as a 'strategic' weapon, though it has rarely been publicly deployed.
According to Iranian sources, the missile was used in a recent large-scale operation alongside other heavy systems to target Israeli military infrastructure and command centres .
What sets the Sejjil apart is its use of solid fuel, a key advancement over earlier generations of Iranian missiles.
Arms experts say solid-fuel systems can be launched more quickly, require less preparation, and are generally more survivable, as they can be stored and fired with minimal notice. This reduces the window for detection and pre-emptive strikes.
The missile is believed to have a range of up to 2,000 kilometres, placing much of the Middle East within reach. Iran says the Sejjil is capable of reaching Tel Aviv in about seven minutes.
Measuring around 17.5 metres in length and weighing approximately 23 tonnes, it carries a warhead of about one tonne. Its two-stage propulsion system allows it to reach high altitudes before descending towards its target at extremely high speeds.
After leaving the atmosphere, the Sejjil travels along a ballistic trajectory before re-entering at hypersonic speeds, making it difficult for conventional air defence systems to track and destroy it.
The missile is also associated with improvements in accuracy, reportedly using inertial guidance systems capable of striking within a relatively small margin of error. Later variants, particularly the Sejjil-2, are believed to incorporate more advanced navigation and propulsion technologies.
The origins of the Sejjil programme can be traced back to the early 2000s, when Iran began investing more heavily in solid-fuel missile technology under projects linked to its Aerospace Industries Organization.
The shift was driven in part by the success of shorter-range systems such as the Fateh-110, which demonstrated the operational advantages of solid propulsion. From capabilities to battlefield impact Although the missile has only been used in limited numbers, its deployment nevertheless hints at an effort by Tehran to introduce arms with long-range strike capabilities as part of its deterrence war effort .
The reported deployment of newer solid-fuel ballistic missiles comes as Iran’s existing arsenal is already proving capable of inflicting deadly damage.
In strikes on the southern cities of Dimona and Arad on Saturday, Iranian attacks caused mass casualties and extensive damage to residential areas, with nearly 200 people reported injured .
Israeli media reports said air defence systems attempted to intercept two projectiles believed to be from the Ghadr missile family but failed to bring them down.
The missiles subsequently struck near sensitive sites, including areas close to Israel’s nuclear research facilities, underscoring both the limitations of Israel’s interception and the threat posed by Iran’s medium- to long-range capabilities.