** Introduction ** In the ongoing conflict that escalated in February 2026, Iran has shifted tactics by arming its ballistic missiles with cluster warheads . Unlike conventional single-warhead missiles, these weapons release dozens of smaller submunitions ( bomblets ) high in the air, saturating a wide area. This approach is putting significant pressure on Israel’s multi-layered air-defense systems — Iron Dome , David’s Sling , and Arrow — which were primarily designed to counter larger, single threats. ** What Are Cluster Munitions ? ** Cluster munitions are a type of warhead that opens at high altitude and disperses 24 to 80 small explosive bomblets across a large footprint (typically 8–10 km in diameter). Each bomblet is compact yet lethal — capable of destroying vehicles, damaging light structures, and causing casualties. While effective for area saturation, they are widely criticized for being indiscriminate and leaving unexploded ordnance that pose...