How Will Iran’s Missile Barrages Challenge Israel’s Defense Strategy?

06-14-2025, TEL AVIV, Israel— How will Iran’s barrage of over 100 ballistic missiles and drones, launched on Friday, June 13, 2025, reshape Israel’s defense strategy? The retaliatory attacks, targeting Tel Aviv and other sites in response to Israel’s “Operation Rising Lion” strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities and military leaders, killed at least three Israelis and injured dozens, exposing vulnerabilities in Israel’s vaunted air defense systems and prompting urgent strategic reassessments.

What Sparked Iran’s Missile Retaliation?

Israel’s preemptive strikes on Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility, missile bases, and top commanders, including four senior security chiefs, triggered Iran’s response. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported detecting “dozens of missiles” launched from Iran, with some penetrating defenses to strike civilian and military sites, including a high-rise in Tel Aviv and areas near the IDF’s Kirya headquarters.

ALSO READ | Iran’s Nuclear Ambitions Bombed—How Much Time Was Bought?

How Effective Were Israel’s Air Defense Systems?

Israel’s multilayered defense network—comprising Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow 2 and 3 systems—faced a severe test. While Iron Dome intercepted many short-range projectiles, and Arrow systems targeted long-range ballistic missiles, several missiles breached defenses, causing damage in Ramat Gan, where one woman died, and Tel Aviv, where 34 were injured. “No defense is impenetrable against a saturation attack,” said Tom Karako, a missile defense expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

How Did U.S. and Regional Allies Support Israel’s Defense?

U.S. military assets, including Patriot and THAAD systems, intercepted Iranian missiles, with Navy destroyers like the USS Thomas Hudner deployed to the eastern Mediterranean. Unnamed regional allies also aided Israel, similar to coalitions during Iran’s April and October 2024 attacks. However, IDF spokesperson Effie Defrin emphasized Israel’s self-reliance, stating, “We have demonstrated the capability to defend ourselves.”

ALSO READ | Gaza Aid Mission Halted: Greta Thunberg Among Activists Detained by Israeli Forces

What Are the Strategic Implications for Israel?

Missile breaches highlight concerns about Israel’s interceptor stockpiles, which take years to replenish. Analysts noted last October that Israel faced shortages after expending interceptors against 30 Iranian missiles. With Iran’s current barrages potentially involving 100 missiles per wave, Israel must prioritize targets, risking exposure. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to continue the campaign “for as many days as it takes,” signaling sustained offensive strikes to degrade Iran’s capabilities.

How Are Israeli Civilians Coping with the Attacks?

Air raid sirens forced residents into bomb shelters across Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, with explosions shaking cities. Magen David Adom treated 19 injuries in central Israel on Saturday, with footage showing destroyed homes. The civilian toll, although lower than the 78 deaths reported by Iran, has increased public anxiety, leading citizens to stock up on supplies due to fears of escalation.

Did you know?
Iran’s ballistic missiles, with ranges up to 2,000 km, challenge Israel’s Iron Dome, designed for shorter-range threats, illustrating the importance of advanced systems like Arrow to counter long-range attacks.

What Are Iran’s Next Moves?

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed a “bitter and painful” response, with the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps claiming strikes on Israeli military sites. Iranian officials warned of targeting U.S. bases in Iraq, raising regional conflict risks. Jordan, Iraq, and Israel closed their airspace, disrupting civilian flights.

How Must Israel Adapt Its Defense Strategy?

The breaches underscore the need for Israel to bolster interceptor production, enhance early-warning systems, and deepen regional alliances to counter Iran’s estimated 2,000 warheads. Former intelligence chief Hayman warned of “real damage” to the home front in a prolonged war, urging a balance between offense and defense.

What Are the Global Calls for De-escalation?

The United Nations, Germany, and China urged restraint, with IAEA chief Rafael Grossi condemning attacks on nuclear sites. Despite the U.S. denying direct involvement and supporting Israel's defense, the U.N. Security Council held an emergency meeting without reaching a resolution.