A video of a fast-moving missile flying in the sky went viral on social media on Wednesday. People were surprised and asked, “What did Iran launch now?” Some thought it was a meteor, while others guessed it was a hypersonic missile. Later, reports confirmed it was Iran’s new hypersonic missile called ‘Fattah’, which can fly at nearly Mach 15 (15 times the speed of sound).

What Happened?

The missile launch was part of Iran’s ‘Operation True Promise III’. It flew past Israel’s air defense and hit its targets. In response, Israel attacked several Iranian military sites. The missile strike happened during the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict, which is now in its sixth day.

Is ‘Fattah’ a Game Changer?

Iran’s IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) called the Fattah missile a “turning point.” It is powered by solid fuel and can hit targets deep inside Israel. The missile caused fires and damage in central Israel. According to IRGC, Fattah sent a strong message to Iran’s enemies.

Experts say the missile traveled at Mach 13 to 15 and changed direction during flight. This made it very hard to stop with current missile defense systems.

What is a Hypersonic Missile?

A hypersonic missile is a weapon that travels at least 5 times faster than sound (about 6,100 km/h). It can also change direction mid-air, making it extremely hard to detect or destroy.

Iranian officials say many ballistic missiles become hypersonic just before hitting their target. But missiles like Fattah are hypersonic for a longer time and are harder to stop.

Fattah Missile Features

• Type: Two-stage, solid-fuel ballistic missile
• Range: Around 1,400 km
• Speed: Up to Mach 15
• Technology: It has a movable nozzle, allowing it to change direction during flight
• Launched: First shown in 2023
• Special feature: Can operate inside and outside the atmosphere

The missile uses round-shaped fuel and can turn in any direction, which makes it very difficult to track or shoot down.

Iran Joins the Elite Club

With Fattah, Iran joins the few countries that have working hypersonic missiles. So far, only Russia, China, and India had this ability. Hypersonic weapons are faster and smarter than traditional missiles. They are made to trick and bypass even the best air defense systems.

According to Press TV, this was Iran’s most aggressive missile attack, and Israel’s defense layers failed to stop Fattah.

Israel’s Response

After the missile strikes, Israel launched airstrikes on Iranian military sites. Reports say Israeli jets hit:

• A military base in Kermanshah
• Five helicopters
• A missile factory
• A site related to centrifuge building

Loud explosions were heard in Tehran. Israel said these attacks were meant to weaken Iran’s missile and nuclear programs.