Iran threatened on Saturday to increase its use of advanced weaponry as fighting continues, according to remarks by a spokesperson for the country’s Defense Ministry carried by state media.
The spokesperson said Tehran would make greater use of “upgraded weapons,” specifically ballistic missiles and other systems with greater destructive power, precision, and maneuverability.
The claim appeared to signal that Iran may escalate both the scale and sophistication of its missile fire as the conflict continues.
The statement comes after an earlier claim on Monday by IRGC Aerospace Force commander Majid Mousavi, who said Iran will only launch missiles with warheads weighing over one ton, according to Iranian opposition outlet Iran International.
Iranian ballistic missiles generally have warheads weighing between 500 and 1000 kg, with an impact from a fully-intact missile sufficient to destroy a building in some cases.
The IDF said on Monday that it had eliminated 75% of Iran's ballistic missile launchers, noting that Tehran can likely still continue its barrages on Israel for an extended period despite the losses.
Iran uses more cluster munitions against Israel
Iran has also increased its use of cluster munitions during the current conflict, which are missiles with multiple smaller warheads which seperate from the missile prior to impact.
While cluster warheads are smaller and less destructive than a single large warhead, they are significantly more difficult to intercept due to their numbers and the short time frame between separation and impact.
Additionally, cluster munitions cause damage over a wider area, around 10 km., potentially endangering more civilians (than a conventional warhead) if they are caught out in the open.
On Tuesday, the IDF Home Front Command noted that about half of the ballistic missiles that Iran has fired on Israel during the current war have been cluster munitions.