Iran's Toufan Missile

The Toufan missile is a short-range ballistic missile developed and produced domestically in Iran. Introduced in the early 2000s, this solid-fueled missile is recognized for its mobility and versatility, making it a crucial part of Iran's military arsenal. With an estimated range of approximately 300 kilometers, the Toufan is designed for rapid deployment and can carry conventional warheads.

According to the International Institute for Strategic Studies, the Toufan missile is actually a liquid-propellant missile that seems to be a rebranded version of the Iranian Ghadr missile, boasting a range of 1,350 to 1,950 kilometers.

From my calculations, the distance from Yemen to Israel is just over 1,000 nautical miles, or about 1,850 kilometers.

This represents another first, marking it as the longest-range hostile ballistic missile attack recorded to date.

Israel's Need

In today's environment of geopolitical strife and shifting security challenges, the demand for advanced defense systems is more critical than ever. Israel’s Arrow Anti-Missile System stands at the forefront of missile defense technology. Developed in partnership with the United States, the Arrow missile family embodies cutting-edge advancements aimed at intercepting and neutralizing incoming missile threats, thus protecting the Israeli population.

The initiative began in response to the inadequate performance of the U.S. Patriot anti-missile system against Iraq's SCUD missiles. Its primary goal is to defend against a wide range of missile threats, including short-range and medium-range ballistic missiles, as well as potentially intercontinental ballistic missiles. The system is a collaborative project between Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Boeing, with significant funding and support from the United States.

Development of the Arrow commenced in the late 1980s, spurred by escalating missile threats from neighboring countries. The project gained traction with the signing of the U.S.-Israel Arrow Program Agreement in 1986, solidifying a partnership focused on the mutual concern of missile proliferation in the region. The Arrow system has undergone several developmental phases, each incorporating technological improvements to enhance interception capabilities.

A key component of the Arrow system is the Arrow 2 interceptor, a two-stage missile designed to neutralize incoming threats at high altitudes. The system's capability to differentiate between genuine threats and decoys or debris is vital to its effectiveness in real-world scenarios.

Arrow 3 enhances interception range and altitude, boasting improved target discrimination, guidance systems, and warhead technology, as evidenced by its operation outside the atmosphere.

The Arrow Anti-Missile System works in tandem with other components of Israel's missile defense framework, establishing a comprehensive shield against various threats. It complements the short-range Iron Dome system and the medium-range David’s Sling system, creating a multi-layered defense network capable of intercepting and neutralizing missiles at various phases of their trajectories.

Specifications

Details about Arrow 3 remain somewhat limited, apart from its operation beyond the atmosphere.

Arrow 3 operates at higher speeds, longer ranges, and greater altitudes than Arrow 2, intercepting ballistic missiles during the space-flight phase of their trajectory. According to the chairman of the Israeli Space Agency, Arrow 3 may also function as an anti-satellite weapon, positioning Israel as one of the few nations capable of destroying satellites. — Wikipedia

Here’s what I uncovered regarding Arrow 2, its shorter-range predecessor.

Arrow 2

The Arrow 3 was declared operational on January 18, 2017.

Each Arrow battery can engage 14 simultaneous intercepts and is equipped with four to eight launchers, each containing six Arrow missiles. Israel is believed to have deployed three Arrow batteries, in addition to six medium-range Patriot batteries, six David’s Sling batteries, and ten Iron Dome batteries. — Popular Mechanics

The Arrow 4 is currently in development, while Arrow 5 is in the design phase.

Target Acquisition and Tracking

Israel utilizes the Green Pine Block B radar (Super Green Pine) for target acquisition and tracking, although it is possible that the Block C version may now be available.

With Arrow 3 approaching within 4 meters of its target and the missiles potentially closing at speeds up to Mach 15, the kinetic impact from the debris of Arrow 3’s warhead alone could likely incapacitate the target.

It is also worth noting the speculation that the expansive Super Green Pine radar array could potentially be adapted into a directed energy weapon.

Significance

The geopolitical implications of the Arrow system extend well beyond Israel's borders. This system not only bolsters Israel’s national security but also illustrates the collaborative efforts between nations to tackle common security challenges. The support from the U.S. for the Arrow system underscores the strategic alliance between the two countries, highlighting their commitment to addressing emerging threats in the turbulent Middle East.

Recently, Germany signed a $3.5 billion contract for Arrow 3 systems.

As the Arrow Anti-Missile System continues to advance, ongoing research and development aim to enhance its capabilities against new threats. Its adaptability to evolving missile technologies and integration into broader defense strategies underscore its significance in an ever-changing geopolitical environment. Israel’s Arrow Anti-Missile System exemplifies the power of innovation and international cooperation in the quest for peace and security.

Implications

It seems evident that Iran is utilizing the Houthis as a testing ground for the Toufan and other weapon systems. Just as Ukraine serves as a testing site for various weapon systems (including Iran’s successful Shahed 136 kamikaze drone), the Middle East also fulfills this role.

It has become apparent that Iran is reluctant to engage in direct confrontation with Israel regarding the Hamas invasion on October 7, 2023.

The successful interceptions of Iran’s Toufan ballistic missiles by the Arrow 3 may further reinforce this hesitance.

Footnote — Another First

Meanwhile, on October 31, Israeli fighters downed two cruise missiles, with at least one being intercepted by an Israeli F-35I stealth fighter — marking the first time a cruise missile was destroyed by an F-35 in combat. — Popular Mechanics

Additional Reading:

• IMDO - Israel Missile Defense Organization

  Israel's Missile Defense Organization (IMDO), is a division within the Directorate of Defense Research and Development… [english.mod.gov.il](http://english.mod.gov.il)

• Little and Large Missile Surprises in Sanaa and Tehran

  Iran and its Yemeni ally Ansarullah continue to upgrade their arsenal of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and… [www.iiss.org](http://www.iiss.org)

• US Navy Destroyer USS Carney Shot Down Three Toufan Ballistic Missiles Fired At Israel

  With tensions spiking in the Middle East, U.S. forces in the region are facing increasing threats as a Navy warship… [www.globaldefensecorp.com](http://www.globaldefensecorp.com)