Media: Can Iran's ballistic missiles and drones reach Europe?

Can Iran's ballistic missiles and drones reach Europe? Europeans are now asking: Are we within Iran's range? After hundreds of missile attacks in the Middle East, Tehran's long-range strike capabilities have come under scrutiny. Some of its missile systems can cover Southeast Europe, but their effectiveness depends on various military and technical factors.

Iranian authorities have warned that if their territory is subjected to a military intervention, Iran will respond with a "fierce" retaliation. Previously, Israel and the United States launched air strikes on Iranian military targets and senior officials of the regime, resulting in the deaths of several people, including Supreme Leader Khamenei and the commander of the Revolutionary Guards. Tehran has vowed to open the "gates of hell" for its enemies, especially to carry out "sustained punitive strikes." Defense Express, a Ukrainian defense news website, claimed on Tuesday, March 3, that the issue is that Iran currently possesses ballistic missiles capable of striking distant targets outside the Middle East.

Therefore, certain Iranian weapons may pose a "potential threat" to various regions in Europe.

The Iranian missiles such as Hooramshahr, Seyyed, Ghadr, and Emad

It was reported that Iran fired more than 771 ballistic missiles and 906 drones in retaliatory strikes against Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Israel. This is a high frequency. It was also reported that Tehran used drones to attack a British air base in Cyprus, further increasing concerns.

The most powerful ballistic missiles of Iran have a theoretical range of up to 2,000 kilometers, and even further. For example, the Hooramshahr missile is considered the most concerning due to its 1,800 kg warhead. If the payload is reduced, its range can be extended to 3,000 kilometers, a figure that is controversial but taken seriously by analysts. Meanwhile, the Emad, Ghadr, and Seyyed missiles are reportedly carrying warheads weighing between 750 to 850 kg, with an operational range of approximately 1,700 to 2,000 kilometers.

However, it is worth noting that information about their range and payload mainly comes from Iranian official sources, and therefore may be overestimated.

Reaching Greece, Italy, Romania...

Theoretically, these missiles could cover Southeast Europe after being launched from northwest Iran. Greece, Bulgaria, and Romania (where U.S. military facilities are located), as well as Ukraine and Moldova, could become targets. If the maximum range of the Hooramshahr missile is confirmed, "most of Europe could be affected," geographically speaking, including Germany and Italy, with cities like Berlin and Rome listed as areas affected.

Intercepting Iranian missiles in Europe mainly relies on the U.S. missile defense system, particularly the land-based Aegis system at Deveselu in Romania, which is equipped with SM-3 intercept missiles. Arleigh Burke-class destroyers deployed in the Mediterranean can also provide additional protection. If facing a direct threat, Germany can also rely on its Arrow-3 missile system, which will be operational by the end of 2025. However, Defense Express pointed out that "the number of Iran's ultra-long-range missiles may be limited," which reduces the likelihood of a large-scale attack on Europe by Iran.

Drones such as Shahed 136, Al-Aash-2, Qiyar-2, and Karar could eventually become the most widely used tools of Iran. Some models of drones have a range of up to 2,500 kilometers. Theoretically, they can reach Europe by passing through several countries, although many drones will be intercepted along the way.

Source: rfi

Original: toutiao.com/article/1858861104581834/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author.