The United States fired significantly more interceptor missiles than Israel during recent hostilities involving Iran, according to a report by a U.S. newspaper. The report highlighted the scale of missile defense operations carried out to protect Israel from incoming Iranian strikes.
The Washington Post reported that the U.S. used more than 200 THAAD interceptor missiles to shoot down incoming projectiles targeting Israel. In addition, over 100 SM-3 and SM-6 interceptor missiles were also launched during the defensive operations.
Citing Pentagon data, the report noted that Israel itself used fewer interceptor systems in comparison. Israel reportedly fired fewer than 100 “Arrow” interceptors and around 90 missiles from the “David’s Sling” defense system to counter the attacks.
Overall, the report concluded that the U.S. deployed a far greater number of interceptors than the Israeli military during the conflict. This reflects the heavy reliance on American missile defense support in protecting Israeli territory from large-scale aerial threats.
A U.S. official was quoted as saying that if fighting with Iran resumes, the United States may need to deploy even more interceptors. The official added that Israel has already sent some of its missile defense systems for maintenance, which could further increase dependence on U.S. support.
The official further remarked that Israel does not fully possess the independent capability to win a large-scale war on its own, although this aspect is often overlooked in public discussions.