2024-04-16 13:24:00
Iran has fired 170 drones and 30 cruise missiles that did not reach Israel, as well as at least 110 ballistic missiles, a small number of which reached the Jewish state, the Israeli military said. The salvos were from sites in Iran, Iraq, Syria and Yemen. New details emerged today about how Israel was able to neutralize almost all of the strikes with the help of the United States, Great Britain, France and Jordan.
Iran fired from a relatively long range and the Israeli military was able to send in Ef-35s to intercept missiles and drones. 25 out of a total of 30 cruise missiles in flight were shot down outside of Israel. After this first line of defense, a three-tier air defense system has been put into action, which also includes hypersonic interceptor missiles to deal with targets outside the atmosphere.
At the next level comes the so-called “David’s Sling” with a range of 300 kilometers for defense against cruise missiles and drones. Last is the famous “Iron Dome” for unguided rockets aimed at residential areas. Recently, the Dome has also been adapted for shooting down drones.
“The threat from Iran was met with the air, operational, technological and intelligence superiority of a defensive coalition of international allies led by the United States, along with Britain, France and other partners,” said Daniel Hagari, a spokesman for the Israeli army.
According to US data, five ballistic missiles have reached Israeli territory. Four of them hit the Nevatim F-35 aircraft base, which was the main target of the Iranian strikes. One missile hit the runway, two others hit empty aircraft hangars, and the last one aimed at the radar installation missed its target.
On the American side, assistance was provided with two aircraft and two destroyers with Aegis anti-aircraft systems on board. US forces have destroyed more than 80 drones and at least six ballistic missiles, including at a Houthi site in Yemen, as well as over southern Syria near the border with Jordan. The big American contribution, however, has been with intelligence, as well as through a command and control system built four years ago. President Biden did not spare his praise for the military.
“You are the best in the world, this is not hyperbole, you are amazing. Absolutely amazing. You have made an incredible contribution and potentially saved many lives. Thanks to your extraordinary abilities, the United States helped Israel shoot down almost all of those missiles.” Biden explained.
Jordan has also intercepted Iranian targets thanks to advanced radars and Ef-16 jets. The operation also involved planes that took off from a French base in the country, President Macron pointed out.
“France was on the side of Israel and under American coordination with our British friends because we are in Jordanian territory at the request of Jordan. We had to carry out defensive interceptions on Saturday night. We condemned, we intervened and today we will do everything to prevent escalation Macron said.
Israel stated that the confrontation with Iran is not over, reports BNT. Tehran has threatened much more extensive action if Israel tries to retaliate.