Israel's Tactical Shift and The Rise of Air-Launched Ballistic Missiles (ALBMs) in Modern Warfare

In response to Iran's October 1 ballistic missile assault, which sent millions of Israelis into bomb shelters, Israel has leveraged air-launched ballistic missiles (ALBMs) in its October 26 counter-strikes. This tactic is expected to spark global interest in ALBMs, a relatively rare technology that differs from cruise missiles and glide bombs.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) reported that its October 26 raids neutralized several Iranian missile factories and air defense systems. Satellite imagery revealed that these strikes targeted facilities previously linked to Iran’s nuclear program. In contrast to ground-based ballistic missiles and cruise missiles, ALBMs offer unique advantages in speed and flexibility, enhancing their ability to penetrate dense defenses.

The Role of Air-Launched Ballistic Missiles (ALBMs)

ALBMs, like the Israel Aerospace Industries' Rampage, combine the speed of traditional ballistic missiles with the flexibility of air-launch capability. Jeffrey Lewis of the Middlebury Institute highlighted the primary benefit of ALBMs: “speed to penetrate defenses.” Unlike cruise missiles, which are susceptible to interception, ALBMs can approach from unexpected directions and quickly strike targets with high precision, a critical edge over traditional ALCMs (air-launched cruise missiles).

ALBMs in Global Defense Strategies

Historically, ALBMs have seen limited deployment, with only Israel, Russia, and China currently fielding these weapons. The U.S. experimented with hypersonic ALBMs, such as the Lockheed Martin AGM-183, but budget constraints led to limited investment for 2025. Many countries, including the U.S. and Britain, have developed cruise missiles and other long-range weapons, reducing their focus on ALBMs.

While ALBMs are difficult to intercept, they are not invulnerable. In Ukraine, Lockheed Martin’s PAC-3 interceptors have successfully countered Russia’s Khinzhal ALBMs. Defense experts indicate that ALBMs rely on common guidance and rocket technology, making them an adaptable option for nations with precision weapons capabilities.

Future Implications

Israel’s effective use of ALBMs highlights a new phase in missile technology, balancing speed, precision, and adaptability. As countries evaluate their defense strategies, ALBMs may emerge as a valuable tool, offering rapid response options and strengthening missile capabilities for nations seeking flexible, high-impact weaponry.