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Cruise Missiles
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TechnologyIR

Cruise Missiles

Guided self-propelled weapons that fly at low altitude to evade radar

Last refreshed: 22 September 2026

Key Question

Why does Iran mix cruise missiles with ballistic strikes?

Timeline for Cruise Missiles

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Background

Cruise Missiles have featured alongside ballistic missiles and drones in Iran's combined strike packages against Gulf and Israeli targets. Unlike ballistic missiles, Cruise Missiles fly at low altitude following terrain contours, making them harder to detect but slower and more vulnerable to air defences.

Iran's cruise missile inventory includes the Soumar (range ~2,500 km, derived from the Soviet Kh-55) and the Hoveyzeh (~1,350 km), both capable of reaching Israel. The UAE has engaged 15 Cruise Missiles since the conflict began, a fraction of the ballistic and drone volumes, suggesting Iran uses them selectively against high-value targets where low-altitude approach offers an advantage.

The combination of ballistic missiles (speed, volume), Cruise Missiles (low detection), and drones (saturation, cost) forms Iran's layered strike doctrine, designed to overwhelm multi-tier missile defence systems by attacking from different altitudes and speeds simultaneously.

Common Questions
What cruise missiles does Iran have?
Soumar (~2,500 km range, Kh-55 derived) and Hoveyzeh (~1,350 km), both capable of reaching Israel.
How many cruise missiles has Iran fired?
The UAE has engaged 15 Cruise Missiles since the conflict began, far fewer than the 414 ballistic missiles and 1,914 UAVs.
Difference between cruise and ballistic missiles?
ballistic missiles arc high and descend fast; Cruise Missiles fly low following terrain, slower but harder to detect on radar.

Written with AI from Lowdown's published reporting. Not individually reviewed by an editor. Updated 22 September 2026. Editorial standards.