The Iran’s Sajil 2 missile, also known as Sejjil 2, is considered a significant threat due to several factors:
* Advanced Capabilities: The Sajil 2 is a two-stage, solid-fueled ballistic missile. This is a significant advancement over older liquid-fueled missiles like the Shahab-3, as solid-fuel missiles can be launched much more quickly with less preparation time, making them harder to detect and intercept before launch.
* Range: It has an estimated range of 2,000 to 2,500 kilometers, which allows it to reach all parts of Israel and beyond.
* Maneuverability and Speed: Reports suggest the Sajil 2 is highly maneuverable and capable of performing evasive maneuvers, including sharp angle strafes and dodges. It can reach very high speeds (Mach 11 to Mach 13 when re-entering the atmosphere, hitting the target at Mach 5), making it challenging for existing missile defense systems like Israel’s Iron Dome and Arrow systems to intercept. The term “dancing missile” likely refers to these reported evasive maneuvers, making it harder for air defenses to lock on.
* Accuracy: The Sajil 2 is equipped with an advanced guidance package, improving its accuracy significantly. Some reports claim its accuracy can be within 10 meters, though others suggest below 50 meters. Such precision increases its destructive potential against specific targets.
* Combat Use: Recent reports (June 2025) indicate that Iran has, for the first time, used the Sajil missile in combat conditions against Israel as part of “Operation True Promise 3,” claiming to have hit military targets, including Mossad offices, air force bases, and intelligence centers. While independent verification of the full extent of the damage is ongoing, the claims highlight its operational deployment.
Why it “wreaked havoc” (as per the user’s phrasing):
The phrasing “wreaked havoc” might refer to recent claims by Iranian sources and some media reports about the missile’s effectiveness in penetrating Israeli defenses and causing damage. While Israel’s sophisticated air defense systems, such as Iron Dome and Arrow, are designed to intercept such threats, the Sajil’s speed, maneuverability, and solid-fuel nature present a significant challenge. The use of “dancing” in the description implies that its flight path might be erratic or designed to evade interception, potentially contributing to its ability to “shatter” defenses as some sources suggest.
In summary, the Sajil 2 is considered a dangerous weapon due to its rapid launch capability, long range, high speed, maneuverability, and improved accuracy. Its recent alleged combat deployment against Israel underscores its threat in the ongoing regional tensions.