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US Used Double Israel's Interceptors Against Iran Missiles: Report

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • The US reportedly deployed double the number of interceptors against Iranian missiles targeting Israel than Israel did, according to a Washington Post report citing US officials.
  • The US deployed approximately 200 THAAD interceptors and over 100 SM-3 and SM-6 interceptors, while Israel used fewer than 100 Arrow 3 and around 90 David's Sling interceptors.
  • Concerns have been raised by US allies, including Japan and South Korea, about the depletion of interceptor stockpiles, as US production rates are insufficient to replenish used levels in the short term.

The United States and Israel presented a united front during Operation Epic Fury, emphasizing their equitable sharing of the defensive burden against Iranian aggression. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell highlighted the maximal effectiveness of combined air and missile defense capabilities, including fighter aircraft and counter-UAS systems, in a coordinated effort that benefited both nations and their allies. The Israeli Embassy in Washington echoed this sentiment, stating that Operations Roaring Lion and Epic Fury were conducted with the highest level of coordination.

Both Israel and the United States carried the defensive burden equitably during Operation Epic Fury, which saw both countries employ fighter aircraft, counter-UAS systems, and various other advanced air and missile defense capabilities with maximal effectiveness.

— Sean ParnellPentagon’s chief spokesman, commenting on the joint defensive operations.

However, beneath this display of solidarity, a significant concern is emerging among US allies regarding the rapid depletion of vital interceptor stockpiles. Nations like Japan and South Korea, facing their own regional threats from China and North Korea, are particularly worried. The current US production rate is insufficient to replenish the interceptors used during the recent conflict, raising questions about the long-term availability of these critical defensive assets for allies who rely on US support.

Operations Roaring Lion and Epic Fury were coordinated at the highest and closest levels, to the benefit of both countries and their allies.

— Israeli Embassy in WashingtonIn a statement regarding the coordinated military operations.

A recent US Congress study further underscored these worries, noting that the extensive use of THAAD interceptors during Operation Epic Fury has significantly reduced an already limited stock. The study suggests that it will take years to rebuild these inventories to a sustainable level, a timeline that offers little comfort to allies facing immediate security challenges. This situation highlights a potential vulnerability in the US-led security architecture, where the demands of a major conflict could strain resources critical for maintaining stability in other volatile regions.

there is concern that the rate of use of THAAD interceptors during Operation Epic Fury has further reduced the limited stock of interceptors.

— US Congress studyShedding light on the inventory of available interceptors.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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