Iran has reportedly deployed one of its most advanced ballistic weapons, the Sejjil missile, drawing global attention to the capabilities of Tehran’s missile program.
The weapon, which analysts say can strike targets up to 2,000 kilometres away, has been nicknamed the “dancing missile” because of the way it manoeuvres during flight, making it difficult for air-defence systems to intercept.
WHAT IS SEJJIL MISSILE?
The Sejjil is a two-stage, solid-fuel medium-range ballistic missile (MRBM) developed domestically by Iran as a successor to older liquid-fuel missiles such as the Shahab series.
Solid fuel is one of its key technological advantages. Unlike liquid-fuel missiles, which require longer preparation before launch, solid-fuel systems can be fired quickly and from mobile launchers, making them harder to detect and destroy before take-off.
According to defence analysts, the missile can carry a payload of around 500-1,000 kilograms, which may include conventional high-explosive warheads and potentially other types depending on configuration.
The missile measures roughly 18 metres in length and weighs over 23 tonnes at launch.
With a maximum range of roughly 2,000-2,500 kilometres, the Sejjil is capable of reaching targets across much of the Middle East from Iranian territory.
This range means it could strike locations including Israel, US bases in the Gulf region, and other strategic points in the region.
WHY IS SEJJIL CALLED THE DANCING MISSILE?
The missile has gained the nickname “dancing missile” because of its ability to change trajectory and manoeuvre during flight.
Defence experts say its agile path can confuse missile-tracking radars and interception systems, forcing them to constantly adjust predictions about where the missile will travel.
This erratic flight behaviour gives the weapon a better chance of evading air-defence systems.
Another reason the Sejjil attracts attention is its speed and survivability. Ballistic missiles like the Sejjil travel at hypersonic speeds during parts of their flight, and combined with manoeuvrability, they become significantly harder to shoot down.
Iran first tested the Sejjil missile in 2008, marking a major milestone in its missile development program. Experts say the shift from liquid-fuel to solid-fuel ballistic missiles signalled a significant leap in Iran’s indigenous missile technology.
The recent launch highlights the growing importance of ballistic missiles in regional military strategy, where speed, range and the ability to evade defence systems increasingly shape the balance of power.
