Israel Running Low On Air Defence Systems, Arrow Missiles May Last Only Days: Report

Last Updated:June 18, 2025, 14:18 IST

With Iranian attacks continuing daily, Israeli defence systems have come under serious pressure as they are running low on Arrow missiles designed to intercept ballistic missiles.

Israel’s Iron Dome has played a key role in intercepting a barrage of rockets and missiles. (AP/File)

Despite major successes in the aerial conflict with Iran, Israel is reportedly running low on defensive Arrow interceptors, raising concerns about the country’s ability to counter long-range ballistic missiles from Iran if the conflict isn’t resolved soon.

A US official told The Wall Street Journal that Washington had been aware of the capacity problems for months and had been augmenting Israel’s defences with systems on the ground. Iranian forces have fired nearly 400 ballistic missiles, and Israel’s Arrow system has managed to neutralise most projectiles, though not without significant strain.

While officials in Tel Aviv said one-third of Iran’s missile launchers have been destroyed and Israel has achieved aerial superiority over Iranian skies, intelligence sources said over half of Iran’s missile inventory remains intact, with a significant portion likely hidden in underground facilities.

The WSJ report said that since the escalation of the conflict between the two arch-foes, the Pentagon has sent missile defence assets in the region. However, there are now concerns that the US is burning through their supply of interceptors as well.

“Neither the US nor the Israelis can continue to sit and intercept missiles all day," said Tom Karako, director of the Missile Defence Project at the Centre for Strategic and Studies. “The Israelis and their friends need to move with all deliberate haste to do whatever needs to be done, because we cannot afford to sit and play catch."

Meanwhile, Israel Aerospace Industries, the company that makes Arrow interceptors, did not respond to requests for comments on the matter. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said it was prepared for any scenario but did not offer any comment on munitions.

The cost of maintaining Israel’s missile defence, comprising the Iron Dome, David’s Sling, the Arrow system, and US-supplied Patriots and THAAD batteries, has become a critical concern. As Iranian barrages continue almost daily, Israel can only maintain its missile defence for 10 to 12 days if the US does not intervene, a source told WSJ.

So far, the Israeli government has confirmed 24 deaths and over 600 injuries since the latest escalation began. On the other hand, Israel has killed more than 220 people in Iran, including high-profile military commanders and senior nuclear scientists.

Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

News world Israel Running Low On Air Defence Systems, Arrow Missiles May Last Only Days: Report