Houthi Missile Strike on Tel Aviv: Analysis of the “Toufan” Missile and Its Implications
Date: September 13, 2024
Location: Tel Aviv, Israel 🇮🇱
The Houthis launched a long-range surface-to-surface ballistic missile, known as the “Toufan,” from Yemen, which struck central Israel, raising new concerns about regional security dynamics. Despite claims by the Yemeni Armed Forces, allied with the Ansar Allah Houthi movement, that the missile was manufactured domestically, evidence strongly suggests that it is an Iranian-supplied weapon. The attack has highlighted vulnerabilities in Israel’s air defense systems and the evolving threat from Iranian-backed forces in the region.
Overview of the Toufan Missile
Origins and Alleged Production
The “Toufan” missile, showcased by the Yemeni Armed Forces in September 2023, is claimed to be domestically manufactured. However, military analysts and regional adversaries assert that the missile is actually supplied by Iran, which has provided the Houthis with a range of missile technologies. The “Toufan” is believed to be a rebranded version of the Iranian “Qadir” missile, an upgraded iteration of the “Shahab-3” missile, capable of targeting sites at extended ranges. This version’s capability suggests a strong Iranian influence in terms of missile technology transfer and tactical support.
Specifications and Capabilities
- Range: The Toufan missile has an estimated range of 1,350 km to 1,950 km, making it a strategic long-range weapon capable of striking deep within Israeli territory from launch sites in Yemen.
- Weight: Before launch, the missile weighs between 15 to 17 tons, with a warhead weighing around 650 kilograms, designed to deliver a massive explosive payload.
- Launch Process: Transported by trucks to designated launch sites, the Toufan missile undergoes a quick preparation process, primarily involving fuel loading, taking about 30 minutes. Once launched, it follows a ballistic trajectory and reaches its target in approximately 12 to 15 minutes.
- Flight Characteristics: The missile is launched vertically and travels in a ballistic arc, propelled by its engine during atmospheric flight. The speed and trajectory suggest it could reach targets quickly, presenting a challenge for missile defense systems.
Missile Strike and Its Aftermath
On September 13, 2024, the Houthis launched a Toufan missile from Yemen that breached Israeli airspace and landed in central Israel. The missile’s flight path and speed—covering 2,040 km in roughly 11.5 minutes—caught Israeli defenses off-guard. Initial reports mistakenly indicated an interception over Tel Aviv, but the IDF later clarified that the missile landed in an open area approximately 6 kilometers from Ben Gurion International Airport.
Interception Attempts and Defense Failures
The missile’s breach has raised serious questions about Israel’s air defense capabilities. The Arrow defense system, designed to intercept missiles like the Toufan, failed to neutralize the threat. This failure has led to increased scrutiny and internal investigations within the IDF and the Israeli Air Force. Debris from an Israeli interceptor missile, which was launched in a failed attempt to counter the strike, reportedly fell near a train station close to Tel Aviv, adding to the chaos of the incident.
The Arrow-2 system, which is specifically intended to intercept intercontinental ballistic missile threats, was deployed but was unsuccessful. The incident has exposed gaps in Israel’s layered missile defense systems, which include Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow, and has prompted discussions about enhancing missile detection and interception protocols.
Strategic Implications and Future Threats
The Houthis, through their spokesperson Brigadier General Yahya Saree, claimed the use of a new hypersonic ballistic missile, describing its successful strike and Israel’s failed interception attempts. This assertion not only points to advancements in missile technology but also signals an escalation in regional tensions.
Israeli Military Response and Future Preparations
In response to the missile strike, Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee confirmed that the missile landed without causing injuries, but the psychological impact and the exposure of defense vulnerabilities are significant. The incident marks a rare breach of Israeli airspace by a long-range ballistic missile from Yemen, illustrating the growing reach of Iranian-backed forces.
Israeli decision-makers are now weighing their options for potential retaliation against Houthi targets in Yemen. Past retaliatory strikes have shown Israel’s willingness to expand its operational scope to counter perceived threats. However, such moves could further complicate the geopolitical landscape in the region.
Ongoing Houthi Threats
Houthi leaders have warned of more “surprises” for their enemies, suggesting the potential for future missile strikes or other forms of asymmetric warfare. The evolving threat from the Houthis, armed with advanced Iranian-supplied weaponry, highlights the need for Israel to reassess its missile defense strategies and prepare for an increasingly complex multi-front conflict scenario.
The missile strike on Tel Aviv by the Houthis underscores the growing threat posed by Iranian-supported groups in the region and the limitations of even advanced missile defense systems like Israel’s Arrow. The incident demonstrates the need for continuous improvements in detection, interception, and response strategies to address evolving missile threats. As regional tensions escalate, the strategic balance in the Middle East remains fragile, with implications for both regional and global security dynamics.