Retired colonel explains key differences between ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones

Retired Colonel Raafat Al-Sahaf provided insight into the distinctions between ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones, emphasizing how speed, altitude, and size affect their interception and the consequences of falling debris. He explained that these differences result from several key factors, primarily speed, altitude, and size.

Al-Sahaf noted that ballistic missiles typically travel at high altitudes, necessitating interception in the upper atmospheric layers. Interception at such heights leads to the dispersion of larger debris over wider areas due to the high altitude at which the missiles are targeted. In contrast, cruise missiles and drones generally operate at lower altitudes and slower speeds than ballistic missiles.

Consequently, interceptions occur at relatively lower altitudes, resulting in smaller and less damaging debris compared to the aftermath of interdicting ballistic missiles. Al-Sahaf highlighted that speed, altitude, and size are the primary differentiators among these weapon types, directly influencing their countermeasures and the potential damage from falling debris.