The repeated barrages of missiles launched by Iran during the evening hours are no coincidence – they reflect a deliberate military and technological doctrine designed to obscure, surprise and sow fear.
As sirens wail and Israeli air defenses intercept incoming threats in the middle of the night, a pattern has emerged in Iran’s missile strategy: darkness. The repeated barrages of missiles launched by Iran during the evening hours are no coincidence—they reflect a deliberate military and technological doctrine designed to obscure, surprise, and instill fear. While the evening offers apparent concealment, the choice to attack in the dark is rooted in much more than visibility. It is a combination of technical limitations, operational necessity, and psychological warfare.
Missiles, unlike aircraft, cannot rely on atmospheric oxygen for propulsion. Instead, they must carry both fuel and oxidizers—the ingredients needed for combustion—within their systems. This is because ballistic missiles reach altitudes where oxygen is scarce or nonexistent. This fundamental requirement divides missiles into two categories: those powered by liquid fuel and those using solid fuel—each with its own strategic implications.
LIQUID FUEL: POWERFUL, BUT EXPOSED
Iran’s long-range missiles, including the Shahab series, typically use liquid fuel. These missiles require a complex pre-launch refueling process that involves two separate tanks – one for the fuel and one for the oxidizer. The operation is time-sensitive, dangerous, and requires stationary launch infrastructure and ground crews. This makes the refueling phase the most sensitive area of the missile, especially under the watchful eye of enemy satellites and surveillance aircraft. To reduce the risk of detection and attack, Iran often conducts refueling operations at night, when visibility is low and the chances of aerial detection are significantly reduced.
SOLID FUEL: MOBILE AND READY
In contrast, short- and medium-range missiles such as the Fateh-110 and Zolfaghar are typically solid-fueled. These systems are pre-loaded with a mixture of fuel and oxidizer in a solid form, stored inside the missile body. They are ready to launch, do not require on-site refueling, and can be fired from mobile platforms, making them ideal for surprise attacks and decentralized warfare. However, once ignited, solid-fuel missiles cannot be shut down or stopped. Launch is irreversible—an operational trade-off for mobility and speed.
WHY ROCKETS HAVE TO CARRY THEIR OXYGEN
The question often arises as to why rockets need oxidizers on board. Unlike jet engines, which draw oxygen from the atmosphere, rocket engines must operate in environments where oxygen is scarce or absent altogether. Ballistic missiles can soar tens – or even hundreds – of kilometers into the sky, far beyond breathing altitudes. To provide sustained thrust, they must carry everything needed for combustion from the start.
DOCTRINE SHAPED BY TECHNOLOGY AND TACTICS
Iran’s repeated use of night launches is not a random decision. It reflects a multi-layered military doctrine that takes into account the technical realities, strategic possibilities, and psychological dynamics of warfare. By utilizing solid and liquid-fueled missiles, mobile launch platforms, and the natural concealment of night, Iran has built a system that prioritizes survivability, surprise, and psychological impact—even when the missiles themselves fail to reach their targets. In the ongoing battle for deterrence and defense, the timing of the launch is as critical as the missile itself.
