‘After it opens, it’s too late’: Expert Warns of Iran’s Cluster Warhead Threat

Dr. Uzi Rubin, a prominent missile defense expert in Israel, has issued a stark warning regarding the threat posed by cluster warheads in missiles launched from Iran. His remarks come amid ongoing analyses by defense officials and analysts concerning the use of these weapons during the recent conflict with Israel. Cluster warheads, which release multiple smaller bomblets rather than a single explosive payload, have garnered renewed attention from missile defense specialists.

The Challenge of Interception

Rubin emphasized that the primary challenge lies in intercepting a ballistic missile before its cluster warhead opens and disperses its submunitions. Once the payload is released, the missile transforms from a single target into multiple threats, significantly diminishing the likelihood of effective interception.

Rubin, who previously directed Israel’s Missile Defense Organization and currently serves as a senior fellow at the Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security, has extensive experience in missile defense. He oversaw the development of the Arrow missile defense system, Israel’s first national shield against ballistic threats.

Understanding Cluster Warheads

To clarify the nature of cluster warheads, Rubin explained that they are designed to contain numerous smaller bombs, as opposed to a single large explosive. As the missile approaches its target, the warhead opens, releasing these bomblets over a wide area. This mechanism poses a significant risk, particularly to unprotected troops and installations.

Iran’s missile arsenal includes various ballistic systems capable of carrying different types of warheads. Rubin noted that each missile can be equipped with either a conventional warhead or a cluster warhead, with the number of bomblets varying based on the missile’s design. Some cluster warheads can contain anywhere from 20 to 80 bomblets, depending on their payload capacity.

Timing is Critical

From a defensive perspective, timing is crucial. Missile defense systems must intercept the missile while the warhead remains intact. Once the cluster mechanism activates, the chances of successful interception decrease dramatically. Rubin pointed out that successful interception typically occurs before the missile reaches an altitude of approximately seven kilometers, where the cluster warhead begins to disperse its payload.

He reiterated that the strategy for countering cluster warheads does not differ from that of conventional warheads; the goal remains to destroy the missile as early as possible in its flight path. Once a missile descends below a certain altitude, interception becomes increasingly difficult, regardless of the type of warhead it carries.

Misconceptions About Israel’s Defense Systems

Rubin clarified a common misconception regarding Israel’s missile defense network. The Iron Dome system is designed to intercept short-range rockets, while the Arrow system targets long-range ballistic missiles. He emphasized that the Iron Dome is not equipped to handle the threats posed by cluster warheads, as it operates at a lower altitude than necessary for effective interception.

Rubin explained that cluster munitions are intended to inflict damage over a broader area, making them particularly hazardous to exposed troops. In contrast, traditional warheads concentrate their destructive power at a single impact point, which can be more devastating in specific scenarios.

The Cumulative Impact of Bomblets

While each bomblet is relatively small compared to the overall explosive payload of a ballistic missile, their cumulative effect can still be lethal. Rubin likened the impact of these submunitions to rockets often fired by terrorist groups from Gaza, indicating that even small bombs can be fatal.

He noted that the cluster warheads utilized in the recent conflict are not a new development. When asked if the versions used differed from those in previous exchanges between Iran and Israel, he confirmed that they were essentially the same, albeit in smaller quantities.

Rubin concluded that the critical issue is not the novelty of the weapon but the narrow window available for interception. Effective missile defense hinges on altitude and timing; if a missile is destroyed early, the warhead never opens. If not, the focus shifts from interception to damage control.

As reported by www.jpost.com.

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Published on 2026-03-19 15:47:00 • By Editorial Desk