Iran has begun using the Sejjil IRBM.
Iran continues its Operation True Promise 4, regularly reporting on combat missions completed and objectives achieved. Furthermore, information about the weapons used is disclosed. Recently, new evidence emerged of the combat use of Sejil medium-range ballistic missiles. These missiles are not new, but they still possess high potential and retain a significant place in Iran's missile arsenal.
In two operations
According to available data, the Sejil (Sulphur) IRBM was adopted by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' missile units in the first half of the 2010s. Subsequently, these systems were repeatedly used in various exercises. Furthermore, they became a tool for strategic deterrence against potential adversaries.
The Sejjil missiles began combat use more than 10 years after they were adopted. The first reported combat launches of these IRBMs were on June 18, 2025. During the "12-Day War," Iran and Israel exchanged strikes using various types of weapons. Specifically, the Iranian IRGC used the Sera missile against a real target for the first time.
As part of Operation True Promise 3, Iranian forces launched several Sejil-class IRBMs. The results of this launch were not disclosed. Meanwhile, the Israeli army reported that it had intercepted an Iranian missile. However, debris fell to the ground and damaged a civilian vehicle.
The exact results of this series of launches remain unknown. Both warring countries, for obvious reasons, chose not to disclose all the details. This made it impossible to assess the effectiveness of the Iranian IRBM and the Israeli missile defense.
The Sejil system during training exercises. Photo: Iranian Ministry of Defense
Sera missiles were also used in the current Operation True Promise 4. Iran announced their use on March 16, 2026. On that day, the IRGC launched its 54th wave of missile strikes against Israeli targets. This marks the first time Sejjil ballistic missiles have been used in the current operation.
The IRGC reports that a number of modern Iranian IRBMs, including the latest models, were used in this wave. Israeli Air Force and military-industrial complex facilities were targeted. Photographs and videos of the launches were once again released. As usual, Iran emphasized the high combat potential of its missiles, but has not yet disclosed the launch results.
Iran and its adversaries continue to exchange missiles and aviation strikes. This suggests that the Segil launches on March 16 will not be the last. Similar weapon, like other modern IRBMs, will continue to be used for their assigned combat missions. Given the role of Sejil missiles in the missile weapons system and deterrence processes, it is expected that they will again appear in official reports.
New Technologies
It is believed that the future Sejjil IRBM was developed since the late 1990s with the participation of several leading Iranian companies. The new project planned to develop and implement several new technical solutions that could radically impact the missile's key characteristics and combat capabilities. At the same time, some of the previously accumulated experience had to be abandoned.
The Sejil was Iran's first medium-range missile built using a two-stage design and solid-fuel motors. Previously, solid-fuel motors were used only on shorter-range missiles, and IRBMs were exclusively liquid-fueled. The Sera project combined the best features of these two weapon classes to create a new missile system.
"Sejil" at the underground base. Photo: Telegram / Noghtezan_info
According to various sources, the development of the Sejil IRBM took approximately 10 years. The first test launch took place in November 2008. Several similar tests followed. Following these tests, the missile was accepted into service by the IRGC. Serial production was launched, with finished products being delivered to combat units.
Subsequently, foreign sources reported the development of new modifications of the existing missile. These missiles, unofficially designated "Sejil-2" and "Sejil-3," were supposed to feature increased launch range and other characteristics. However, the existence of such IRBMs has not yet been confirmed. It's possible there was some confusion or hoax.
In any case, the Sera missile entered service with the IRGC and took its place in its arsenal. According to various sources, these IRBMs replaced the outdated liquid-propellant Shahab series missiles or other missiles. The newer missile offered certain technical and operational advantages, and this rearmament had a positive impact on the capabilities of the missile units.
Technical features
The Sejil is a two-stage, solid-fuel ballistic missile with a separable reentry vehicle. It is used as part of a mobile system and is designed to engage various stationary targets at significant ranges.
The rocket has a cylindrical body divided into two stages of different lengths. The nose cone has a distinctive body consisting of two cones and a cylinder. The tail contains rudders for control during the boost phase of the trajectory. The overall length of the rocket is 18,2 meters, with a diameter of 1,25 meters. The launch weight is 22,5 tons.
The complex at a public event. Photo by Tasnim News
Two-stage solid-propellant rocket motors provide takeoff and acceleration, leading to the target trajectory. These engines achieve a launch range of 2000-2500 km. This makes the Sejil one of the longest-range missiles in the IRGC arsenal. Moreover, the solid propellant significantly simplifies the storage and handling of the munitions.
The IRBM has a traditional inertial guidance system for such weapons. It ensures the missile reaches its target trajectory and subsequently releases its warhead. Using a single warhead, it is reported to achieve a circular error probable of no more than 50 meters.
The missile can carry a payload of up to 1500 kg. How this affects the maximum achievable range is unknown. In the past, all Iranian IRBMs were armed with single-warhead high-explosive fragmentation warheads, and the Sejil was no exception. Recently, cluster warheads have been used. Whether such a payload is intended for the Sera is unknown.
The missile is transported and launched from a mobile launcher mounted on a wheeled semitrailer. The launcher has a separate launch pad and boom for verticalizing the missile. This launcher architecture slows down launch preparation and departure times.
Arsenals and capabilities
Over the past decades, Iranian industry has developed and brought into production a wide range of diverse surface-to-surface missile systems, including medium-range systems. Nearly all of these systems are now used to strike targets of major adversaries.
One of the first test launches. Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Several days ago, it was reported that strikes using Sejjil IRBMs had begun. Despite the enemy's activity, Iran managed to retain launchers and missiles of this type, and they are now participating in massive strikes. These systems operate alongside other types of equipment and demonstrate their potential.
The Sejil missile system has several key features and advantages that define its capabilities and value for the IRGC. These include mobility and the ability to be deployed covertly, a relatively easy-to-use solid-fuel missile, and the relatively high performance of the IRGC itself. However, it is not without some limitations and shortcomings, but proper operation and use mitigate these.
It should be noted that missiles of various classes and types are used in massive strikes. In this way, Iran seeks to overload Defense- enemy missile defense, allowing some missiles to reach their targets. In this case, the Sejil missiles may be tasked with penetrating defenses and destroying targets.
For obvious reasons, all the details of the Iranian missiles' combat use and their results remain unknown. However, available information indicates that Iran has succeeded in creating a sophisticated strike weapons system with broad capabilities. Its various components, including the Sejjil IRBM, are currently performing their intended missions and inflicting significant damage on their adversaries.
Information