In a significant event, Iran launched a large wave of attack drones and missiles towards Israel, marking the first-ever direct attack on Israel by the Islamic Republic. The Israeli military was tracking and preparing to intercept the weapons in response to this threat. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had warned of the possibility of a direct attack from Iran and stated that the country’s air defenses were deployed and ready for any scenario, both in attack and defense. Israel’s missile defense system includes a variety of weapons such as the Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and the Arrow, as well as other undisclosed assets.
Mark Dubowitz, CEO of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, highlighted that Israel also receives ballistic missile support defense from the United States, with the two countries having trained together for years on defense strategies. Israel’s annual military budget exceeds $20 billion, providing the country with access to advanced U.S. military hardware, control over its airspace and a strong cyber capability. The Arrow Missile Defense System, comprising Arrow 2 and Arrow 3, can intercept missiles fired from distances of up to nearly 1,500 miles away and above the earth’s atmosphere. David’s Sling is another weapon in Israel’s arsenal, designed to intercept a wide range of enemy projectiles.
The Iron Dome, which has a success rate of up to 90%, is used to intercept and destroy short-range rockets and artillery shells aimed at Israeli populated areas. The system has been in use since 2011 and has proven effective in combat situations. Israel also utilizes the Patriot Missile System for intercepting aircraft and cruise missiles at ranges of up to 94 miles and altitudes of up to 19 miles. Over the years, the U.S. and Israel have collaborated on missile defense cooperation, co-developing systems to counter various threats, from short-range rockets to mid- and long-range ballistic missiles in the region.
The ongoing efforts by Israel’s Missile Defense Organization aim to continuously improve and adapt its defense systems to address a wide range of threats. The collaboration between the U.S. and Israel in developing and enhancing missile defense capabilities has strengthened their ability to counter diverse threats from non-state actors like Hamas and Hezbollah, as well as from countries like Syria and Iran. Israel’s strong military capabilities, combined with U.S. support, have bolstered its defenses against potential attacks, demonstrating the ironclad support of the United States for Israel’s defense. The Israeli military remains vigilant and prepared to defend the country against any potential threats that may arise in the region.
