Why is it in the news?
Israel reportedly used the Blue Sparrow missile during a targeted strike in Tehran.
The missile’s quasi-ballistic trajectory makes it difficult for air-defence systems to intercept.
Category: Defence
Important Points:
● Blue Sparrow is an air-launched ballistic missile.
● It belongs to the Sparrow missile family along with Black Sparrow and Silver Sparrow.
● Developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems of Israel.
● Originally designed as a practice target for Israel’s Arrow missile defence system.
● Later adapted as an offensive air-to-surface weapon.
● The missile is about 6.5 metres long and weighs around 1.9 tonnes.
● It has an approximate range of about 1,995 km.
● Usually launched from fighter aircraft such as Israeli F-15 jets.
● Follows a quasi-ballistic trajectory leaving and re-entering the atmosphere.