In a recent development, the United States has agreed to dispatch two Iron Dome batteries to Israel, according to both defense and US officials speaking with CNN on Wednesday. The specifics surrounding the timing of the shipment remain unclear, but these batteries, owned by the US Army, were initially procured in 2019 and reportedly delivered in 2020.
The decision to send these Iron Dome batteries from US stocks to Israel comes as part of an ongoing partnership between the two nations to bolster Israel's missile defense capabilities. The Iron Dome is a critical component of Israel's defense, designed to intercept incoming projectiles. It operates by utilizing a radar system to detect rockets, followed by a command-and-control setup that rapidly evaluates whether an incoming projectile poses a threat or is likely to impact an unpopulated area. If the threat is confirmed, the Iron Dome launches ground-to-air missiles to neutralize the threat mid-flight.
In addition to the two Iron Dome batteries, the United States has already supplied Israel with Iron Dome interceptors from its existing stockpiles. Pentagon spokesperson Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder informed reporters last week that interceptors from US stockpiles in Israel had been quickly made available to Israel, with plans for additional interceptors to be provided in the coming days.
This cooperative effort underscores the strong defense partnership between the United States and Israel. In 2019, an agreement was signed between the US Army and Israel, formalizing the acquisition of these two Iron Dome batteries. While the specifics of the current delivery remain confidential, the move is seen as a testament to the United States' commitment to assisting its Middle Eastern ally in bolstering its defenses against missile threats.
The decision to send these Iron Dome batteries to Israel was initially reported by Defense News and has since garnered international attention. The Iron Dome system continues to play a vital role in safeguarding Israeli communities from rocket attacks and is a significant asset in the region's security landscape.