Key Weapons and Defence Systems

Iran

  • Shahed‑136 & Shahed‑131 Drones – Low‑cost loitering munitions (kamikaze drones) used in massive swarm attacks to overwhelm air‑defence systems.
  • Shahab‑3 Missile – Medium‑range ballistic missile, ~2,000 km range, backbone of Iran’s regional deterrence.
  • Fattah Missile – Claimed hypersonic missile, Mach 15, range up to 1,400 km, maneuverable re‑entry vehicle.
  • Khorramshahr Missile, Sejjil, Emad – Various medium‑range ballistic missiles with solid‑fuel or precision‑guided capabilities.
  • Paveh Cruise Missile – Land‑attack cruise missile, 1,650 km range, mid‑flight course‑change ability.
  • Air‑defence systems – Bavar‑373 (long‑range), Sevom‑e‑Khordad (mobile), Tor‑M1, Majid & Azarakhsh (drone‑counter), etc.

United States

  • B‑2 Spirit Stealth Bomber – Low‑radar‑signature platform capable of delivering the GBU‑57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP).
  • Tomahawk Cruise Missiles – Sub‑sonic, GPS/INS/TERCOM/DSMAC guided for deep‑strike missions.
  • LUCAS Drone – Low‑cost, one‑way attack drone designed to counter Iranian Shahed swarms.
  • PrSM (Precision Strike Missile) – Short‑range ballistic missile launched from HIMARS (up to 400 km).
  • THAAD – Terminal High Altitude Area Defense; hit‑to‑kill interceptor for short/medium/limited‑IR missiles in the terminal phase.
  • Patriot PAC‑3, APKWS, Coyote Anti‑Drone System, SM‑3/SM‑6, IFPC (AIM‑9X) – Layered air‑defence and anti‑drone solutions.
  • MQ‑9 Reaper, Boeing P‑8I – ISR and maritime patrol platforms.

Israel

  • Blue Sparrow Missile – Air‑launched quasi‑ballistic missile, ~2,000 km range, brief exo‑atmospheric flight.
  • Jericho Missile Family – Jericho‑2 (MRBM, 1,500‑3,000 km), Jericho‑3 (IRBM, 4,800‑6,500 km).
  • Arrow‑2 & Arrow‑3 – Ballistic missile defence; Arrow‑3 intercepts exo‑atmospheric threats.
  • David’s Sling, Iron Dome, Iron Beam, C‑Dome – Multi‑layered defence against rockets, drones and cruise missiles.
  • F‑35I “Adir” – Fifth‑generation stealth fighter enabling deep strikes while evading advanced air‑defences.

Background and Context

  • The conflict marks one of the most technologically complex drone‑and‑missile battles in modern history.
  • Both state and non‑state actors are employing swarm tactics and hypersonic technologies, altering traditional deterrence calculations.
  • The US and Israel have integrated network‑centric and cost‑effective systems (LUCAS, Coyote, Iron Beam) to counter inexpensive Iranian drones.

Significance for India and Global Governance

  • Highlights the need for layered missile‑defence (ex: THAAD, Arrow‑3, Patriot) to protect critical infrastructure.
  • Demonstrates the strategic shift towards low‑cost, high‑volume unmanned systems, prompting India to invest in indigenous UAVs and anti‑drone solutions.
  • Raises questions on arms control, hypersonic proliferation, and regional stability in the Middle East, directly relevant to India’s foreign‑policy and security assessments.

Related Constitutional / Legal Provisions

  • Article 253 – Allows the Union to enter into treaties concerning defence and external affairs, underpinning procurement of systems like THAAD.
  • Defense Procurement Procedure (DPP) 2020 – Governs acquisition of advanced weaponry, relevant for future Indian purchases of similar technologies.

Key Takeaways

  • Swarm drones and hypersonic missiles are redefining modern warfare.
  • Cost‑effective counter‑measures (e.g., LUCAS, Coyote, Iron Beam) are becoming central to defence doctrines.
  • India must develop a layered, integrated missile‑defence architecture to address similar threats.