Israel | Reduces use of advanced missile interceptors, Iran attacks causing stockpiles to tighten

Foreign media reports that Iran’s ongoing attacks are severely depleting Israel’s weapons stockpile. The Israel Defense Forces have begun restricting the use of their most advanced missile interceptors, forcing the military to increasingly rely on upgraded but less effective air defense systems.

Multinational responses to the energy crisis; Australia states supply remains stable 【Next page】

The war between Iran and the United States has entered its fourth week. Iran is reportedly continuing to launch ballistic missile and drone attacks across the Middle East. Recently, two Iranian missiles struck key Israeli nuclear facility sites in the southern city of Dimona and in the eastern city of Arad.

Israel and the United States jointly developed an air defense system long regarded as one of the most advanced in the world, utilizing layered defenses to counter various threats. In response to short-range rocket attacks, the Iron Dome uses interceptors costing tens of thousands of dollars each, combined with the David’s Sling system, which can defend against long-range rockets, tactical ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles.

Israel’s high-level air defense system, the Arrow-3, can intercept long-range ballistic missiles that exit the Earth’s atmosphere, and is considered one of the best anti-missile weapons globally.

Previously, Israel mainly relied on the Arrow system to counter long-range ballistic threats. However, the Israeli government is now conserving and reducing the use of advanced interceptors, turning instead to the upgraded David’s Sling system, and even using the Iron Dome—originally designed for different purposes—to respond to threats.

This move reflects increasing pressure on Israel’s weapons stockpile, as compared to Iran’s large-scale missile and drone production, Israel and its allies face the challenges of high-cost interceptors and slow manufacturing speeds.

Iran | War’s toll on U.S. military firepower; Washington plans to shift aid from Ukraine to the Middle East 【Next page】

Due to inventory shortages, the Israel Defense Forces are deciding whether to intercept or let the projectiles fall in unmanned areas. Major General Ran Kochav of the reserves stated they are working to raise the interception altitude as much as possible, keeping the interception point away from the ground, though he acknowledged that the results are not always ideal. He said that after the Iron Dome upgrade, it can already intercept rockets and drones with ranges of several hundred kilometers.

Tal Inbar of the Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance noted that the number of interceptors for each missile is limited, and that prolonged conflict makes it increasingly difficult for Israel to decide when and how to deploy its defense systems.

Since the outbreak of war, Iran has launched over 400 missiles and deployed hundreds of drones. Although the intensity of attacks has decreased compared to the initial phase, continuous assaults—along with daily shelling by Hezbollah—continue to test Israel’s layered air defense network.

Stay close to geopolitical developments; immediately download the Hong Kong Economic Journal app for free 【Click here】