The United States successfully intercepted more drones and missiles than Israel during Iran’s attack on Saturday night, as reported by The Intercept.
A large portion of Iran’s weapons were destroyed by U.S. aircraft and missiles before reaching Israel. The U.S. led a multinational air defense operation, involving American fighter jets, resulting in a significant military success.
The full extent of the U.S. military operation remains undisclosed to the public, but the Pentagon coordinated a region-wide defense spanning from northern Iraq to the southern Persian Gulf. During the operation, the U.S., U.K., France, and Jordan collectively intercepted the majority of Iranian drones and missiles. Details on the origin of U.S. aircraft have not been officially disclosed, and the role of Saudi Arabia remains unclear.
U.S. military sources estimate that half of Iran’s weapons experienced technical failures, with the remaining weapons being shot down by U.S. forces. The U.S. Air Force senior officer, speaking anonymously, confirmed that the U.S. shot down the majority of the weapons.
Israel Defense Forces and the White House National Security Council did not respond to inquiries about the U.S. intercepting half of Iran’s drones and missiles. The Pentagon directed The Intercept to a press release by U.S. Central Command detailing the successful engagement and destruction of Iranian weapons intended for Israel.
Israel reported that Iran launched over 330 drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles, with some being intercepted by Israeli and allied forces outside Israeli airspace.
Various countries, including the U.K., Jordan, France, and the U.S., intercepted Iranian weapons during the attack. U.S. forces shot down more than 80 Iranian weapons, and President Joe Biden commended the airmen involved in defending Israel.
The operation was coordinated from the Combined Air Operations Center in Qatar, under the command of Lt. Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich, the air commander of CENTCOM.
“We strategically utilize all assets under our control in theater, whether directly or in support roles, to coordinate fires and effects during air defense engagements,” Grynkewich explained to Air & Space Forces Magazine post Iran attack. “Our goal is to unite regional partners who share concerns about threats to stability, particularly from Iran’s ballistic missiles. Through information sharing and threat warnings, we aim for deeper integration and have already made significant progress.”
Following the attack, Biden reportedly commended Israel for its performance and emphasized the importance of avoiding further escalation in a call with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
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