"Rampage" missile strikes. Israel's silent warning to Iran's nuclear ambitions
The Israeli public broadcaster Kan reports that the missile, likely launched by Israel towards an Iranian nuclear facility, is identified as "Rampage." This supersonic air-to-ground missile is designed to penetrate and destroy fortified targets, including bunkers.
6:57 AM EDT, April 21, 2024
Based on photo analysis and the observed extent of damage, Kan has identified the missile as "Rampage." This self-navigating, 15-foot-5-inch missile travels at supersonic speeds, rendering it difficult for air defense systems to detect and intercept.
While Israel has not officially commented on the overnight attack from Thursday to Friday, Iran minimized the incident, stating that it involved only three small drones, not missiles, targeting Isfahan.
"Rampage" was officially unveiled by Israel in 2018 and first saw combat during a raid in Syria a year later.
Constructed by Israeli firms Military Industries Systems and Israel Aerospace Industries, "Rampage" weighs over half a ton. It is engineered to penetrate and destroy secured areas such as bunkers.
"NYT": Missile equipped with special technology
The New York Times, citing Iranian sources on Saturday, revealed that the missile launched towards the Iranian nuclear facility featured special technology enabling it to evade Iranian missile defenses. Informants also disclosed that the launching aircraft was located "far from Iranian and Israeli airspace."
Despite drone activities being reported in Isfahan province on the night of the attack, the nuclear facilities remained unscathed. Israel has yet to state this incident, and Iranian authorities have noted that no evidence linking Israel to the attack has been discovered thus far.
The New York Times speculates that this strategy may have been deliberately chosen to make Iran reconsider before launching another direct assault on Israel.
