Israel's defence network challenged by Iranian cluster ballistic missiles

As the regional conflict between Israel and Iran enters a volatile new phase, a banned weapon of war is reappearing over civilian centres. While Israel’s defence systems remain robust, a new threat - the cluster ballistic missile - is testing the limits of safety.

Key takeaways

Quick scan — what you need to know:

• As the regional conflict between Israel and Iran enters a volatile new phase, a banned weapon of war is reappearing over civilian centres.
• While Israel’s defence systems remain robust, a new threat - the cluster ballistic missile - is testing the limits of safety.
• Unlike a single warhead, these missiles release hundreds of "bomblets," turning neighbourhoods into active minefields long after the sirens stop.

Background

What led here, in plain terms:

• While Israel’s defence systems remain robust, a new threat - the cluster ballistic missile - is testing the limits of safety.
• Unlike a single warhead, these missiles release hundreds of "bomblets," turning neighbourhoods into active minefields long after the sirens stop.

Why it matters

Why readers and decision-makers should care:

• Unlike a single warhead, these missiles release hundreds of "bomblets," turning neighbourhoods into active minefields long after the sirens stop.
• As the regional conflict between Israel and Iran enters a volatile new phase, a banned weapon of war is reappearing over civilian centres.
• While Israel’s defence systems remain robust, a new threat - the cluster ballistic missile - is testing the limits of safety.