Israeli defense forces are accelerating plans to strengthen the country’s advanced defense capabilities in anticipation of a new wave of missile attacks from Iran or its Yemeni proxy forces, Walla News reported on Friday.
Director General of the Defense Ministry, Major General Amir Baram, has ordered the expedited development and production of air defense systems, including the Arrow 3, Arrow 4, Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and a ground-based laser system, according to the report.
The directive also covers additional ground-based laser systems, various radar systems, and other classified technologies.
Each of these defense systems covers different capabilities. The Iron Dome is a short-range system that intercepts rockets and artillery shells with a range of 4-70 km (2-43 miles). It uses radar to detect and track threats, and its interceptors destroy them mid-air.
Arrow 3 and Arrow 4 are long-range ballistic missile defense systems. Arrow 2 intercepts missiles in the upper atmosphere, while Arrow 3 targets them in space, making it effective against threats such as Iran’s ballistic missiles.
David’s Sling is a medium-range defense, intercepts tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones (40-300 km, 24-186 miles range).
On Thursday, Israel’s military chief said the army is prepared to launch more strikes on Iran if necessary, after what he described as a successful preemptive war in June that halted an emerging existential threat to Israel.
Baram’s order follows continued missile launches by Iran-backed Houthis from Yemen and also speculations about the resumption of the June war between Iran and Israel.
Investigations into Iranian missile strikes on Israel—particularly those in the final hours before the ceasefire—are a focus of the air defense unit’s current assessments, the Walla News report said.
The last missile salvo against Israel occurred on June 24, when Iran fired six barrages totaling 20 ballistic missiles. Israel said most were intercepted, but some hit targets, including an apartment complex in Beersheba.
Baram’s directive places strong emphasis on cooperation with the United States Central Command (CENTCOM). Israel officially became part of CENTCOM’s area of responsibility in 2021.
Israel launched a surprise military campaign on June 13 targeting military and nuclear sites, assassinating senior Iranian commanders, and killing hundreds of civilians.
During the 12-day conflict, Israel killed more than 30 senior security officials and at least 11 senior nuclear scientists.
According to an Iranian government spokesperson, 1,062 Iranians were killed, including 786 military personnel and 276 civilians.
Iran retaliated with missile strikes that killed 31 civilians and one off-duty soldier.
Israel's military says that the interception rate for missiles and drones during the 12-day war was about 90%.
