(Reuters) -Israel's effective use of air-launched ballistic missiles in its airstrikes against Iran is expected to pique interest elsewhere in acquiring the weapons, which most major powers have avoided in favour of cruise missiles and glide bombs.

Tehran is planning a “strong and complex” retaliatory strike against Israel set to exceed last month’s 200 ballistic missile barrage, according to Iranian and Arab officials.

Israel’s recent strike against Iran notably avoided targeting nuclear facilities, focusing instead on damaging Iran’s air defenses and missile systems. While Iran downplayed the attack’s impact, U.S.