Iran Launches Sejjil Missile in Retaliatory Strikes Against Israel

Jakarta – Iran’s Armed Forces launched a number of sophisticated missiles, including the Sejjil, in a retaliatory attack against the United States and Israel. This marks the first time the Sejjil missile has been deployed in response to attacks, according to reports from Al Jazeera.

Sejjil Missile Deployed in ‘True Promise 4’ Operation

The missile was used during the 54th wave of the ‘True Promise 4’ operation targeting Israeli and US assets, as confirmed by Iranian media outlet Press TV. Brigadier General Majid Mousavi, commander of the IRGC Air Force, confirmed the launch via X.

Targeting of Israeli Command Center

Press TV reported that the Sejjil missile was specifically aimed at the Israeli regime’s command and control center and critical military infrastructure. Air raid sirens were activated in Tel Aviv, Herzliya, and over 140 other locations across Israel, according to local Israeli media.

Operation ‘Ya Zahra’ and Missile Arsenal

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced the retaliation operation, codenamed ‘Ya Zahra,’ deploying a range of missiles including the Khorramshahr, Kheybar, Qadr, and Emad, as reported by Press TV on March 16, 2026.

Sejjil Missile: Technical Specifications and Capabilities

The Sejjil is an Iranian-made, medium-range ballistic missile (MRBM) utilizing solid propellant. Unlike liquid-fuel missiles like the Shahab-3, solid-fuel missiles offer quicker deployment and are more difficult to detect due to the absence of a refueling process CSIS Missile Defense Project.

Key Specifications:

• Type: Medium Range Ballistic Missile (MRBM)
• Range: Approximately 2,000 kilometers (km)
• Fuel Type: Solid (solid-propellant)
• Stages: Two stages
• Length: About 18 meters (m)
• Diameter: About 1.25 meters (m)
• Launch Weight: Approximately 23,600 kilograms (kg)
• Warhead Capability: Capable of carrying conventional or non-conventional warheads
• Launch Platform: Mobile launcher

The Sejjil’s mobile launch capability enhances strategic flexibility and survivability against preemptive strikes.

Development and Testing History

The first test launch of the Sejjil occurred in 2008, reaching a distance of approximately 800 km. A second launch in May 2009 focused on testing a more accurate guidance and navigation system. Subsequent tests extended the range, with a flight reaching 1,900 km towards the Indian Ocean. Iran designated the 2009 variant as the Sejjil-2. Unconfirmed reports suggest development of a Sejjil-3 with three stages, a potential range of up to 4,000 km, and a launch weight of around 38,000 kg.

After a period of inactivity, the Sejjil missile reappeared during the ‘Nabi Azam 15’ military exercise in January 2021.