The U.S. military used most of its advanced missile interceptors defending Israel during the war in Iran, according to a new report.
The Washington Post detailed that the U.S. launched more than 200 Terminal High Altitude Area Defense, or THAAD, interceptors in this context, as well as more than 100 other interceptors from naval vessels in the eastern Mediterranean.
Israel, in turn, launched fewer than 200 interceptor missiles, the outlet added. Kelly Grieco, a senior fellow at the Stimson Center, told The Post that the U.S. now has about 200 THAAD interceptors and “a production line that can’t keep pace with demand.”
The Pentagon defended the figures, with Pentagon chief spokesman Sean Parnell saying “ballistic missile interceptors are just one tool in a vast network of systems and capabilities that comprise a layered and integrated air defense network.”
“Both Israel and the United States carried the defensive burden equitably during Operation Epic Fury, which saw both countries employ fighter aircraft, counter-UAS systems, and various other advanced air and missile defense capabilities with maximal effectiveness,” he added.
The Israeli government also reacted, with the Israeli Embassy in Washington saying: “Operations Roaring Lion and Epic Fury were coordinated at the highest and closest levels, to the benefit of both countries and their allies.”
“The U.S. has no other partner with the military willingness, readiness, shared interests, and capabilities of Israel,” it added.
At the same time, a new U.S. intelligence assessment reported by CNN said Iran is rebuilding its military capabilities faster than expected as the ceasefire with the U.S. and Israel continues and has already resumed the production of drones.
“The Iranians have exceeded all timelines the IC had for reconstitution,” an official told the outlet, noting that the country could fully regain its drone attack capabilities in as little as six months.
Support from Russia and China is contributing to the country’s ability to rebuild, according to another passage of the assessment, with Beijing providing components that can be used to build missiles. In fact, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told CBS last week that the country is effectively engaging in this conduct, but Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun rejected this, saying it was not “based on facts.”
Another segment claims the U.S. and Israel did not manage to inflict as much damage on the regime as they hoped.
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