Iran Missile Attack Spikes Buyer Interest in Israeli Air Defense Systems

The "exceptional performance" of Israeli air defense systems in intercepting hundreds of Iranian drones and missiles has sparked international interest in these technologies.

Interestingly, the Israeli MoD announced "accelerating the capabilities of the 'Arrow' system in the near term, in the face of the developing threats in the arena," in a statement yesterday suggesting improvements needed to the Arrow air defense system in the light of the Iranian missile attack.

Israel's defense arsenal includes the Arrow for long-range missiles, David's Sling for medium-range missiles, the Patriot system for aircraft and drones, and the Iron Dome, which boasts a success rate of over 90% in intercepting short-range rockets.

Iran launched more than 300 missiles and drones, and Israel claims to have destroyed 99% of them.

In Europe, intercept data from Israeli air defense systems, in cooperation with the air forces of the United States, Great Britain, and Jordan, was met with admiration following Iran's recent massive attack. Germany, the sole purchaser of the Arrow 3 system thus far, has expressed satisfaction with its decision and is seeking information on deployment timelines.

"The 'Arrow' defense systems played a central role in intercepting 99% of threats from Iran," reported German newspaper "Frankfurter Rundschau.” Television broadcasts showcased what appeared to be atmospheric edge interceptions resulting in blue-tone explosions.

In the aftermath of recent Iranian attacks, Israel Aerospace Industries stated, "Arrow-2 and Arrow-3 systems accurately intercepted incoming long-range ballistic missiles, safeguarding Israel's citizens. IAI's radar and intelligence systems, employed by all IDF missile defense systems, facilitated comprehensive, wide-ranging responses."

Israel has also revealed plans to enhance the capabilities of the Arrow system in the near term, in response to evolving threats in the region.

European media extensively covered the air defense's performance. In addition to intercepting Iranian UAVs with American Air Force assistance (credited with around 80 interventions), headlines across Italy, France, and the UK emphasized the neutralization of 99% of aerial threats and the absence of significant injuries.

Recent media reports highlighted the British Royal Air Force's participation in Israel's defense during "the largest military operation since the Falkland Islands conflict." The London Times spotlighted Israel's sophisticated defense technology employed against Iranian threats.

Meanwhile, Iran said its missile launch "exceeded expectations" as the missiles were able to penetrate Israeli and Western air defenses in a number of places including an airbase in southern Israel from where F-35s that conducted the deadly strike against the Iranian embassy in Damascus were launched.

Israeli media showed images a crater near the runway of the base and said a C-130 aircraft was "slightly" damaged.