How is Iran still launching missiles at Israel despite Israeli airstrikes? - explainer
According to IDF assessments, Iran began the current conflict with approximately 2,000 ballistic missiles of varying ranges and warhead types.
Despite sustained Israeli airstrikes, Iran has managed to continue launching ballistic missiles - a feat that can be attributed to the Islamic Republic's long-standing military doctrine, decentralized infrastructure, and upgraded survivability tactics.
According to IDF assessments, Iran began the current conflict with approximately 2,000 ballistic missiles of varying ranges and warhead types. These posed a threat to Israeli territory via a few hundred launch systems.
An industrial and strategic doctrine
For over two decades, Iran's missile strategy has focused on three core components: a highly advanced domestic defense industry capable of reverse-engineering and replicating foreign technology, the development of independent production capabilities, and serial manufacturing of a diverse range of missiles and launch platforms.The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the regular Iranian military have invested heavily in building an arsenal that would be difficult to neutralize in a single strike or campaign.
Fortifying survivability
Following close monitoring of IDF and Israel Air Force (IAF) capabilities—especially those projecting power into the so-called "third circle" (Iran, Iraq, Yemen)—Tehran has prioritized survivability. This includes strengthening weapon stockpiles, drone fleets, and missile platforms.
A multi-layered launch system
Iran's doctrine incorporates three types of ballistic missile launch systems: fixed, mobile, and underground launchers.The fixed launchers are static, above-ground sites that are easier to monitor and target, particularly via satellite imagery.
Mobile launchers are mounted on camouflaged semi-trailers, and these platforms are moved frequently to avoid detection. Some remain concealed in urban or remote areas, while others are dispersed during emergencies. Underground launchers were inspired by North Korea and al-Qaeda infrastructure.
Iran has built vast subterranean complexes that allow for full missile operations - transport, loading, fueling, and launching - all beneath the surface until the final moment of deployment.
Iran has publicly showcased some of these underground facilities to deter potential attacks by Israel or Gulf states.
Weakness in command structure
A critical vulnerability in Iran’s system is its centralized command and control. According to Israeli intelligence, field commanders lack the authority to launch attacks independently during emergencies. Following targeted assassinations of key Iranian officials, this led to confusion in the first 24 hours of the current escalation, delaying large-scale missile barrages due to unclear directives.Once Israel transitioned from covert operations to overt strikes, the IAF began targeting missile launch sites, warehouses, and later expanded its focus to Iran’s defense manufacturing industry.
Senior Israeli defense officials told Walla! that the results have exceeded expectations. Israeli aircraft reportedly operate freely over Iranian skies, aided by major intelligence breakthroughs.
"The Iranians are struggling to launch the kinds of massive salvos we saw last year," said a senior defense source. "They are hampered by strikes on their commanders, storage facilities, and launch infrastructure, as well as disrupted command and control systems."
Still, Israeli intelligence continues hunting for remaining fixed and mobile launchers across Iran’s vast territory.
The road to crippling Iran's missile force
To deliver a decisive blow, the IAF is operating numerous manned aircraft over suspected launch zones, attempting to identify and strike launchers in real time. Fighter jets are reportedly on standby to respond instantly before targets relocate or disappear.“Two processes will severely reduce Iran’s missile capabilities,” a senior defense official explained. “Continued Israeli airstrikes and the depletion of what remains of their operational launch systems. And if any missiles do get through, they will be intercepted by our air defense systems on the home front.”
The official added: “This is a complex operation involving both military intelligence and the IAF, and though we’ve paid a high price in civilian lives and injuries, the trend is encouraging.”
