Israel effectively thwarted 99% of the 300 perilous suicide drones and missiles hurled by Iran, deploying cutting-edge air defense mechanisms such as David’s Sling, and receiving vital support from the United States, the United Kingdom, and a surprising Arab ally.
Israeli military spokesman Lt. Col. (R) Peter Lerner elaborated on the situation to CNN, stating, “So the numbers are still not 100% clear, but I understand 120 ballistic missiles, around 30 cruise missiles were fired, around 170 explosive drones — explosive UAVs that will route.”
Moreover, Hezbollah in Lebanon fired approximately 40 rockets into Israel during the same period.
Lerner highlighted the interconnectedness of the munitions, noting, “The same types of munitions that they have given to the Houthis, the same types of munitions that are being used against Ukraine.”
While the renowned Iron Dome system is adept at intercepting rockets from Hezbollah and Hamas, the magnitude of the threat posed by Iran necessitated the deployment of more sophisticated defense systems. Fighter aircraft armed with air-to-air missiles, David’s Sling, and the Arrow 2 or Arrow 3 missiles played pivotal roles in neutralizing the extensive barrage from Iran.
The Jerusalem Post reported that nearly all intercepted threats were neutralized by these advanced defense systems.
Footage disseminated by the IDF vividly captures fiery missiles being intercepted mid-flight, underscoring the effectiveness of Israel’s multifaceted defense strategy.