Overview
- Israel’s layered defenses span Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow-2/3, with the Iron Beam laser declared fully operational in late 2025 for lower-cost engagements.
- Missile-defense analyst Tal Inbar says Israel has adopted tactics to hit Iranian launchers early to reduce incoming salvos and preserve expensive interceptors.
- IAI has increased output, and CEO Boaz Levy says Arrow-4 to replace Arrow-2 is slated for deployment in the coming months, a move aimed at boosting interception performance.
- The U.S. authorized departure of some embassy staff in Israel and moved naval assets including USS Gerald R. Ford, reflecting precautionary steps as tensions climb.
- Reports of interceptor strain from the June 2025 exchanges persist though disputed by Israeli officials, while U.S. and allied systems such as THAAD and Aegis have previously assisted in interceptions and face their own resupply demands.