Israel’s targeted strike on key components of Iran’s ballistic missile infrastructure on 26 October has severely compromised Tehran’s capacity to replenish its missile arsenal, as reported by Axios. According to multiple Israeli sources, the operation specifically destroyed twelve “planetary mixers”—sophisticated equipment essential for producing the solid fuel required for Iran’s long-range ballistic missiles, which constitute a significant portion of its missile stockpile.
The loss of these mixers, which are used in the manufacture of solid fuel for ballistic missiles, is expected to impair Iran’s ability to maintain and replenish its missile arsenal.
A senior U.S. official confirmed the strike’s impact, calling it a significant setback to Iran’s missile production capabilities. The official noted that the loss of these planetary mixers will hinder Iran’s ability to replenish its missile stockpiles, potentially limiting its capacity to supply missile capabilities to proxy forces, including Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen.
Planetary mixers are highly advanced components necessary for the production of solid fuel. According to Israeli sources, Iran is unable to manufacture these mixers domestically and relies on external suppliers, notably from China, for procurement. Experts assess that the replacement and reinstallation of these mixers could take upwards of a year, suggesting a long-term degradation of Iran’s missile manufacturing capacity.
While Iran currently possesses a substantial stockpile of ballistic missiles, Israeli officials argue that the country’s limited production capacity will constrain its ability to maintain or expand its reserves, potentially reducing the missile stockpiles available for both Iran’s own military and its regional proxies.
In addition to the mixers, Israeli forces reportedly targeted four S-300 air defence batteries positioned in strategic locations within Iran. These systems are critical to the defence of sensitive sites, including nuclear and energy infrastructure. The destruction of these air defence systems, particularly near the capital, Tehran, represents a significant weakening of Iran’s defensive posture against aerial threats.
Iranian military officials responded by acknowledging damages to radar installations in the area, which they stated were undergoing repair. The Iranian statement, however, did not reference any damage to missile or drone production facilities, though it reserved the right to respond to what it described as an escalation from Israeli forces.
According to Israeli sources, the operation was carried out using air routes through Iraqi and Syrian airspace, with some strikes occurring near the Iraqi-Iranian border. The Israeli Air Force is also reported to have targeted a drone production facility and conducted a symbolic strike on a site in Parchin, an area previously associated with Iran’s nuclear research efforts.
The Israeli sources suggest the strikes were carefully planned to avoid civilian infrastructure and focus exclusively on military assets.
Following the strike, U.S. President Joe Biden stated that the operation targeted only military sites, stressing that its intent was to prevent further escalation between Israel and Iran. Accompanied by Vice President Kamala Harris and senior security officials, Biden held a strategic call on Saturday to assess developments in the Middle East. The president highlighted the need to safeguard American forces in the region and reaffirmed U.S. support for Israel’s defence should Iran or its proxies launch a military response.
Concerns have also been raised by regional actors, including Qatar, whose prime minister spoke with Iran’s foreign minister to express deep apprehension over the increasing volatility in the area. In a statement, the Qatari prime minister called on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and avoid actions that could heighten tensions across the Middle East.
Analysts believe that the strike could impact Iran’s broader strategic posture. With a diminished capacity to produce new ballistic missiles, Iran may find itself more constrained in projecting power through missile strikes or providing missile support to allied factions across the region. This could recalibrate Iran’s military strategy and weaken its capacity for sustained missile engagements in the medium to long term.
Israeli officials suggest that the operation aligns with a broader defensive strategy aimed at neutralising immediate threats from Iranian missile stockpiles, while also disrupting Tehran’s ability to maintain missile production. The choice of targets – from missile production equipment to air defence systems – reflects a focused effort to degrade Iran’s military infrastructure without escalating to broader, indiscriminate strikes.
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