Israel is reportedly running low on its advanced Arrow-2 and Arrow-3 missile interceptors, which have been used extensively over the past few days to defend against ballistic missile attacks from Iran and the Houthi rebels in Yemen, according to a U.S. official quoted by the Wall Street Journal.
The interceptors were used to shoot down hundreds of incoming ballistic missiles launched since Friday, reflecting the intensity and scale of the threat. In support, the United States also deployed multiple air defense assets, but they too are experiencing rapid depletion of their own missile stocks.
U.S. Defense Systems Also Under Strain
The report by the Wall Street Journal mentions that several U.S. Army Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) batteries stationed in Israel have already been engaged. Additionally, U.S. Navy Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers, operating in the Eastern Mediterranean, have fired interceptors at an alarming rate to help shield Israeli airspace.
These advanced systems are typically used only in extreme situations, highlighting the seriousness of the current missile conflict.
Iran Has More Missiles Than U.S.-Israel Interceptors, Say Experts
Military officials and defense analysts continue to warn that Iran still holds a larger stockpile of missiles than the combined number of interceptors available to the U.S. and Israeli forces. This imbalance could pose a serious challenge if the missile exchanges escalate or continue for an extended period.
WaPo Report: Israel May Run Out of Missile Interceptors in 10–12 Days
According to The Washington Post, Israel can continue intercepting Iranian ballistic missiles for only about 10 to 12 more days before it will need to start rationing its expensive missile defense systems. The report suggests that Iran may be deliberately using older and cheaper missiles as part of an attritional strategy to exhaust Israel’s high-cost interceptors, some of which cost up to $12 million each.
Experts warn that without sustained U.S. support, this strategy could overwhelm Israeli air defenses, leaving the country increasingly vulnerable to future large-scale attacks.
Why Israel is Targeting Missile Sites in Iran
Due to the interceptor shortage and the threat of further missile launches, the Israeli Air Force has stepped up strikes on Iranian missile sites, particularly focusing on surface-to-surface missile launchers and key launch infrastructure. The goal is to destroy missile capabilities at the source, minimizing the need for interception in Israeli airspace.
What Are Arrow Interceptors?
The Arrow-2 and Arrow-3 systems are part of Israel’s multi-layered missile defense network. These systems are designed to detect, track, and destroy long-range ballistic missiles outside the Earth’s atmosphere. They are jointly developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and the United States Missile Defense Agency (MDA).
Trump May Attack Iran, Warns of Supreme Leader’s Location
President Donald Trump might soon order a strike on Iran, according to a report by Axios. Al Jazeera also reported that the Pentagon is preparing B-52 bombers at its Diego Garcia base. Meanwhile, Israeli officials told journalist Barak Ravid that Trump could target Iran’s Fordow nuclear site in the coming days.
In a strong warning to Iran, Trump said the U.S. knows exactly where Iran’s Supreme Leader is hiding but has chosen not to strike—for now. He claimed that the U.S. has full control over Iran’s airspace and warned Tehran not to attack American civilians or troops. He ended his message by saying the U.S. is losing patience.
Why This Matters
With increasing regional tensions and the risk of a larger conflict involving Iran, Israel, and allied nations, the depletion of interceptor missiles could weaken Israel’s defensive edge. It also puts pressure on the U.S. and its partners to either replenish these stocks quickly or seek alternative strategies to reduce the threat.
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