Hypersonic missiles are causing worry as tensions rise between Iran and Israel. These ultra-fast weapons could be a game-changer in the conflict because they travel at more than five times the speed of sound and are harder to detect and stop. Iran claims to have fired these advanced missiles at Israel, but experts aren’t sure if the missiles truly have hypersonic capabilities. Still, if real hypersonic weapons are used, they could challenge even the most advanced missile defense systems, raising the stakes in the ongoing conflict.

 vvvBarcelona, June 18 —

Iran says it has started firing advanced hypersonic missiles at Israel, but so far, there's no solid evidence to support that. Many experts doubt the claim. If true, it could put serious pressure on Israel's missile defense systems and change the nature of the conflict between the two countries.

What Are Hypersonic Missiles, and Why Are They a Big Deal?

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard claimed it launched “Fattah 1” hypersonic missiles at Israel. But experts aren't convinced these are truly hypersonic.

Hypersonic missiles are defined as those that fly faster than Mach 5 — five times the speed of sound. Many ballistic missiles already reach those speeds, but what makes a weapon truly “hypersonic” in modern terms is its ability to maneuver in flight with advanced guidance systems. That makes them much harder to detect and stop.

Jack Watling, a defense expert from the UK, explained that traditional missiles follow predictable paths, so systems like the U.S.-made Patriot can usually intercept them. Hypersonic missiles, on the other hand, fly lower and change direction mid-flight, making them harder to spot and track in time.

Which Countries Have Hypersonic Missiles?

Right now, only the U.S. and China have developed next-generation hypersonic weapons, though neither has used them in combat. Other countries, like Russia, North Korea, and Pakistan, have tested similar missiles, but often with less advanced capabilities.

A 2022 report from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute noted that the term “hypersonic” is often overused and can cause unnecessary panic and competition among countries.

The U.S. is working on mounting hypersonic weapons on stealth destroyers, while China has developed a variety of hypersonic weapons that could reportedly reach U.S. territory, including Hawaii and Alaska.

How Capable Is Iran?

Building true hypersonic missiles is extremely complex. According to expert Jack Watling, Iran likely doesn’t have the technical ability to produce such advanced weapons.

Most of the missiles Iran has launched toward Israel do travel at hypersonic speeds but lack maneuverability, which is a key feature of modern hypersonic weapons. Because of this, they’re not considered true hypersonic missiles.

So far, Iran has fired over 400 missiles at Israel, but only about 40 have caused significant damage or casualties. Israel’s missile defense systems have managed to intercept over 95% of them.

Iran does have two missiles — the Khorramshahr and Fattah 2 — that are faster and more agile, and would be tougher to intercept. However, these haven't been used yet.

Have Hypersonic Missiles Been Used in Combat?

Russia has claimed it used hypersonic missiles in its war in Ukraine, but experts say these missiles don’t maneuver enough to be considered truly hypersonic. Russian President Vladimir Putin described one such missile as flying at 10 times the speed of sound and being unstoppable, though the U.S. later said it was more of an experimental ballistic missile.

Russia’s Kinzhal missile, also labeled as hypersonic, has been intercepted by Ukraine using U.S.-made Patriot systems.

Pakistan also claimed to have used hypersonic missiles to destroy an Indian S-400 air defense system during recent tensions over Kashmir.

Other countries — including Brazil, Australia, the UK, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, and North Korea — are working on their own hypersonic weapons. The European Union is also investing in defenses specifically designed to counter hypersonic missiles, especially in response to the Russian threat.

Let me know if you want a shorter summary or an explanation of any technical terms.

Barcelona, June 18 —

Iran says it has started firing advanced hypersonic missiles at Israel, but so far, there's no solid evidence to support that. Many experts doubt the claim. If true, it could put serious pressure on Israel's missile defense systems and change the nature of the conflict between the two countries.

What Are Hypersonic Missiles, and Why Are They a Big Deal?

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard claimed it launched “Fattah 1” hypersonic missiles at Israel. But experts aren't convinced these are truly hypersonic.

Hypersonic missiles are defined as those that fly faster than Mach 5 — five times the speed of sound. Many ballistic missiles already reach those speeds, but what makes a weapon truly “hypersonic” in modern terms is its ability to maneuver in flight with advanced guidance systems. That makes them much harder to detect and stop.

Jack Watling, a defense expert from the UK, explained that traditional missiles follow predictable paths, so systems like the U.S.-made Patriot can usually intercept them. Hypersonic missiles, on the other hand, fly lower and change direction mid-flight, making them harder to spot and track in time.

Which Countries Have Hypersonic Missiles?

Right now, only the U.S. and China have developed next-generation hypersonic weapons, though neither has used them in combat. Other countries, like Russia, North Korea, and Pakistan, have tested similar missiles, but often with less advanced capabilities.

A 2022 report from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute noted that the term “hypersonic” is often overused and can cause unnecessary panic and competition among countries.

The U.S. is working on mounting hypersonic weapons on stealth destroyers, while China has developed a variety of hypersonic weapons that could reportedly reach U.S. territory, including Hawaii and Alaska.

How Capable Is Iran?

Building true hypersonic missiles is extremely complex. According to expert Jack Watling, Iran likely doesn’t have the technical ability to produce such advanced weapons.

Most of the missiles Iran has launched toward Israel do travel at hypersonic speeds but lack maneuverability, which is a key feature of modern hypersonic weapons. Because of this, they’re not considered true hypersonic missiles.

So far, Iran has fired over 400 missiles at Israel, but only about 40 have caused significant damage or casualties. Israel’s missile defense systems have managed to intercept over 95% of them.

Iran does have two missiles — the Khorramshahr and Fattah 2 — that are faster and more agile, and would be tougher to intercept. However, these haven't been used yet.

Have Hypersonic Missiles Been Used in Combat?

Russia has claimed it used hypersonic missiles in its war in Ukraine, but experts say these missiles don’t maneuver enough to be considered truly hypersonic. Russian President Vladimir Putin described one such missile as flying at 10 times the speed of sound and being unstoppable, though the U.S. later said it was more of an experimental ballistic missile.

Russia’s Kinzhal missile, also labeled as hypersonic, has been intercepted by Ukraine using U.S.-made Patriot systems.

Pakistan also claimed to have used hypersonic missiles to destroy an Indian S-400 air defense system during recent tensions over Kashmir.

Other countries — including Brazil, Australia, the UK, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, and North Korea — are working on their own hypersonic weapons. The European Union is also investing in defenses specifically designed to counter hypersonic missiles, especially in response to the Russian threat.

Let me know if you want a shorter summary or an explanation of any technical terms.