Israel, US Thwart Massive Iranian Missile Barrage in Unprecedented Attack

In a tense standoff reminiscent of Cold War missile crises, Israel and its allies on Saturday night (April 13) successfully thwarted a massive Iranian missile and drone barrage, the largest ever faced by the Jewish state.

The surprise attack, launched around dusk, saw Iran unleash a torrent of over 300 projectiles toward Israel, including a mix of roughly 170 drones, 30 cruise missiles, and a staggering 120 ballistic missiles.

This unprecedented act of aggression sent shockwaves through the region and showcased both the growing Iranian missile arsenal and the remarkable effectiveness of Israel’s multi-layered missile defense system.

A Multi-Layered Defense Rises to the Challenge

According to Israeli and US officials, Israel’s Iron Dome system, the workhorse of its air defense, played a crucial role in intercepting short-range threats like drones and cruise missiles.

For medium-range threats, David’s Sling, a joint US-Israeli project, likely took center stage.

However, the true test came with the ballistic missiles, which can travel hundreds of miles and reach high altitudes.

Here, Israel’s Arrow 2 and 3 systems, developed in collaboration with the US, rose to the challenge.

Arrow 2 likely engaged ballistic missiles in their final approach, while Arrow 3, boasting hit-to-kill technology, potentially intercepted them even earlier in their flight path.

Allied Support Bolsters Israeli Defenses

The success wasn’t solely reliant on Israeli technology.

US Navy destroyers equipped with the Aegis ballistic missile defense system, strategically deployed in the eastern Mediterranean, reportedly intercepted at least three Iranian missiles.

Additionally, US warplanes and jets from allied nations like Britain and France, already stationed in the region, likely played a role in downing Iranian drones and missiles before they could reach Israeli airspace.