Israel is reportedly facing a potential shortage of interceptor missiles as it ramps up efforts to strengthen its air defenses against threats from Iran and its regional proxies, according to military experts and defense officials. This shortage has sparked concerns over Israel’s capacity to maintain its defence systems, particularly in the event of a retaliatory strike from Iran.

In response to this growing threat, the United States announced the deployment of a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile battery to Israel. This advanced system is designed to intercept ballistic missiles at high altitudes, bolstering Israel’s existing three-tier air defence network, which includes the Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and the Arrow systems. The move comes as Israeli officials reportedly prepare for a possible retaliatory strike on Iran, heightening the risk of broader regional escalation.

“The issue of Israel’s ammunition is serious,” said Dana Stroul, a former senior U.S. defense official, highlighting the strain on Israel’s missile supplies. She warned that if Hezbollah joins an Iranian retaliatory strike, Israel’s air defences could be overwhelmed. Stroul also pointed out that U.S. stockpiles are limited, as the country faces the challenge of supporting both Israel and Ukraine in their respective conflicts, signalling a potential turning point for American military aid.

Boaz Levy, CEO of Israel Aerospace Industries, the company responsible for manufacturing missile interceptors, confirmed the urgency of the situation. “Some of our production lines are working 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” Levy said, emphasizing the time-intensive nature of producing interceptor missiles. “It’s no secret that we need to replenish our stockpile.”

Israel’s layered air defense system has been largely successful in repelling attacks from Iranian-backed groups. The Iron Dome has intercepted short-range rockets from Hamas, while David’s Sling and the Arrow system have defended against larger missile threats from Hezbollah and Iran. However, a recent wave of over 180 ballistic missiles from Iran on October 1 proved more difficult to repel, illustrating the limits of Israel’s current capabilities.

With Hezbollah maintaining the capacity to launch thousands of rockets into Israel, military officials are concerned that the conflict could escalate. “We still haven’t seen Hezbollah’s full capability,” said Assaf Orion, a former Israeli brigade commander, noting that the group has so far launched only a tenth of its overall estimated arsenal.

As tensions continue to rise, Israel and its allies are racing against time to ensure that the country’s air defence systems remain fully operational in the face of growing threats from multiple fronts.

Image credit: Iron Dome launcher fires an interceptor missile in Sderot, Israel. REUTERS/Ammar Awad