Israel is running low on Arrow missile interceptors, WSJ reports

Israel is running low on defensive “Arrow” missile interceptors, the Wall Street Journal reports, citing an unnamed US official, raising concerns about the country’s ability to counter long-range ballistic missiles from Iran.

There has been no Israeli confirmation of the report, and no indication from Israel of any shortage of interceptors. Most Iranian missiles fired at Israel in recent days have been intercepted, at similar rates to Iran’s attacks in 2024, according to the IDF.

The IDF planned its operation in Iran months in advance, and claims to have accurate intelligence on Iran’s ballistic missile stockpiles. The military said yesterday that some 40% of Iran’s ballistic missile launchers have been destroyed so far in the operation.

The Arrow system is not the only defensive measure being used against Iran’s missiles.

The US has both ground-based Patriot missile defense systems and Terminal High Altitude Air Defense (THAAD) systems in the Middle East capable of intercepting ballistic missiles. US Navy destroyers have also shot down projectiles.