What is the story about?
Iran has reportedly used one of its most advanced ballistic missiles in the ongoing war with the US and Israel - the Sejjil missile. Also known as the 'dancing
missile' due to its high-altitude manoeuvring capability, the Sejjil has been deployed for the first time since the conflict erupted on February 28. Iranian state media reported that the Sejjil featured in the latest wave of strikes launched on Sunday as Tehran targeted Israeli locations and US-linked positions in the region.
What Is The Sejjil Missile?
Also known as the Sajjil, Ashoura, and Ashura missile, the Sejjil is an indigenously developed ballistic missile system. It is a two-stage missile powered by solid propellant and classified as a medium-range ballistic missile with a reach of roughly 2,000 kilometres. It has the ability to carry a payload of about 700 kilograms. The 'dancing missile' has the ability to shift trajectory and potentially evade missile defence systems such as Israel's Iron Dome.
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The missile is about 18 metres in length, has a diameter of around 1.25 metres and weighs approximately 23,600 kgs, according to the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).
A key feature of the Sejjil system is its solid-fuel propulsion. Unlike older Iranian missiles that rely on liquid fuel - such as the Shahab series - solid-fuel missiles can be readied and launched much more quickly. This offers greater operational flexibility during conflict.
The missile's first known test launch was in 2008, when it reportedly travelled about 800 kilometres. A second test followed in May 2009. Since then, four more flight tests have been reported. During the sixth test, the missile is believed to have travelled close to 1,900 kilometres before landing in the Indian Ocean.
Deployment Comes As War Enters Day 16
The reported deployment of the Sejjil comes as the war between Iran, Israel and the United States enters its 16th day. The conflict escalated after joint strikes by the US and Israel on Iranian targets last month. Those attacks killed Iran's 86-year-old Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and triggered a broader confrontation across the Middle East.
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Since then, Iran has launched retaliatory attacks against Israel and US military bases across Gulf countries. According to reports, the fighting has already left more than 2,000 people dead, the majority of them in Iran.
The Pentagon has said US and Israeli forces have struck more than 15,000 targets across Iran since the war began.
