The missile launched by the Houthi rebels on Sunday is a ballistic missile similar to those used by the Revolutionary Guards in Iran and known to the IDF. This missile came from the east, traveled 2,040 km, and according to the IDF spokesperson, the flight time from launch to impact was about 11.5 minutes.
According to this data, the missile travels at a speed of 9.7 times the speed of sound (Mach 9.7). Hypersonic speed is defined as 5 times the speed of sound (Mach 5). The missile launched by the Houthis followed a fixed ballistic trajectory and was detected by the air defense systems, which tracked it during interception attempts by the IDF’s various defense layers.
To provide a clear explanation and avoid unnecessary panic, it should be noted that every long-range ballistic missile is a two- or three-stage missile, accelerated by a high-powered rocket engine to a ballistic trajectory. Once the engine shuts off, the missile’s body and warhead travel at an average speed of 6 to 8 times the speed of sound (Mach 6 to Mach 8) but still along a predetermined path. As it descends toward the target, its speed accelerates due to gravity and may reach values of Mach 15 to Mach 20, a situation that the IDF is familiar with and knows how to handle.
The challenge for Israel and the free world is to intercept a hypersonic cruise missile, as these missiles can maneuver and evade the various defense systems. As mentioned, the data made public indicates that the missile launched by the Houthis is known to the security system and is certainly not a hypersonic cruise missile. Furthermore, it appears that the missile malfunctioned and did not meet the expected performance standards.
It should be assumed that structural failure of the missile’s body contributed to the inability to intercept it. Nonetheless, the security establishment should fully investigate the incident, as it was anticipated that a ballistic missile launched from such a great distance would be intercepted well before reaching the territory of the State of Israel.
The missile launched by the Houthi rebels on Sunday is a ballistic missile similar to those used by the Revolutionary Guards in Iran and known to the IDF. This missile came from the east, traveled 2,040 km, and according to the IDF spokesperson, the flight time from launch to impact was about 11.5 minutes.
According to this data, the missile travels at a speed of 9.7 times the speed of sound (Mach 9.7). Hypersonic speed is defined as 5 times the speed of sound (Mach 5). The missile launched by the Houthis followed a fixed ballistic trajectory and was detected by the air defense systems, which tracked it during interception attempts by the IDF’s various defense layers.
To provide a clear explanation and avoid unnecessary panic, it should be noted that every long-range ballistic missile is a two- or three-stage missile, accelerated by a high-powered rocket engine to a ballistic trajectory. Once the engine shuts off, the missile’s body and warhead travel at an average speed of 6 to 8 times the speed of sound (Mach 6 to Mach 8) but still along a predetermined path. As it descends toward the target, its speed accelerates due to gravity and may reach values of Mach 15 to Mach 20, a situation that the IDF is familiar with and knows how to handle.
The challenge for Israel and the free world is to intercept a hypersonic cruise missile, as these missiles can maneuver and evade the various defense systems. As mentioned, the data made public indicates that the missile launched by the Houthis is known to the security system and is certainly not a hypersonic cruise missile. Furthermore, it appears that the missile malfunctioned and did not meet the expected performance standards.
It should be assumed that structural failure of the missile’s body contributed to the inability to intercept it. Nonetheless, the security establishment should fully investigate the incident, as it was anticipated that a ballistic missile launched from such a great distance would be intercepted well before reaching the territory of the State of Israel.