Arrow, not Iron dome took out missiles along with US carriers
Israel's missile defense system has successfully undergone its most serious combat test to date. Previously, the well-known Iron Dome system, primarily used to intercept basic, short-range rockets, was the main player. However, this weekend saw the deployment of the much more advanced Arrow 2 and Arrow 3 systems.
The author of the article is Maciek Kucharczyk, a journalist covering military affairs at Gazeta.pl.
Update: On the evening of October 1, Iran launched ballistic missiles at Israel. The Revolutionary Guard claimed it was a retaliation for the deaths of Hamas and Hezbollah leaders, as well as high-ranking Iranian officers. Explosions were heard over Jerusalem and the Jordan Valley, and air raid sirens echoed throughout Israel. Citizens took shelter, and according to Israeli military radio, almost 200 missiles were launched from Iran. Reuters reported that some missiles were shot down over Jordan. Despite numerous online reports suggesting that the Iron Dome was defending Israel, Maciek Kucharczyk clarified, "A lot of posts about 'Iron Dome this and that...'. NO. The Iron Dome has no role in such an attack. It's not that layer of defense. For this type of threat, the Arrow system, with its relatively limited launchers, is the answer".
Iran launched a huge missile attack against Israel on Tuesday, which Tehran said was retaliation for the killings of proxy leaders.
www.businessinsider.com
US Navy warships shot down Iranian missiles that were launched at Israel on Tuesday as part of a massive retaliatory bombardment, marking the second time American forces have done so in less than six months.
The interceptions occurred as
Iran fired around 180 missiles at targets in Israel. The Israeli military said it also intercepted "a large number" of the missiles as civilians sought protection in shelters.
White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said the US military coordinated closely with the Israeli Defense Forces to help defend the country from the attack.
"US naval destroyers joined Israeli air-defense units in firing interceptors to shoot down inbound missiles," Sullivan told reporters at a briefing. "We do not know of any damage to aircraft or strategic military assets in Israel," he added, saying the attack "appears to have been defeated" and was "ineffective."
Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said two destroyers — USS Bulkeley and USS Cole — fired around a dozen interceptors to defend Israel from the Iranian ballistic missiles. It's unclear exactly how many projectiles were shot down.
A US defense official told Business Insider earlier that American forces on station in the Middle East "are currently defending against Iranian-launched missiles targeting Israel," adding that "our forces remain postured to provide additional defensive support and to protect US forces operating in the region."
www.timesofisrael.com
