Iran Launches 'Dancing Missile' Sejjil At Israel For First Time Since War Began: Key Features Explained

US-Israel-Iran War: Amid the escalating conflict in the Middle East, Iran on Sunday launched a series of advanced missiles at Israeli and US positions, including the Sejjil missile, which was used for the first time since the war began on February 28, according to Iran's PressTV.

The Sejjil is an indigenously designed, two-stage ballistic missile powered by solid propellant. It is also known by several other names, including Sajjil, Ashoura, and Ashura.

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All You Need To Know About Sejjil Missile

The Sejjil-2 is a two-stage, solid-fuel medium-range ballistic missile with a range of approximately 2,000 kilometres and a payload of around 700 kilograms. Due to its high-altitude manoeuvring ability, Sejjil has earned the nickname "dancing missile," reflecting its capability to evade missile defence systems such as the Iron Dome.

According to the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), the Sejjil-2 is about 18 metres long, has a diameter of roughly 1.25 metres, and weighs approximately 23,600 kilograms.

Its solid-fuel design provides a strategic advantage, allowing it to be prepared and launched more quickly compared with older liquid-fuel systems like the Shahab series.

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Design And Testing Timeline Of Sejjil Missile

Work on the Sejjil missile began in the early 1990s. The first test launch took place in 2008 when the missile travelled a distance of 800 kilometres. A second test launch was carried out in May 2009 to assess improved guidance and navigation systems.

Since then, four additional flight tests have been conducted. During the sixth test, the missile reportedly travelled approximately 1,900 kilometres into the Indian Ocean.