19 June 2025 — Capital Insider News Desk
Israel is reportedly running low on its supply of Arrow missile interceptors as tensions with Iran continue to escalate, with the latest provocation coming in the form of two hypersonic missile barrages fired Tuesday night.
The Wall Street Journal reported the shortage, citing a senior U.S. official who expressed concern over Israel’s long-term ability to defend itself if the conflict with Tehran persists.
đ Arrow Interceptors Under Strain
Israel’s Arrow missile defense system, developed jointly with the United States, is designed to intercept long-range ballistic threats. But with Iran’s increasing use of Fattah-1 hypersonic missiles, capable of traveling at more than five times the speed of sound, traditional interception methods are being stretched to the limit.
U.S. Military Steps In
Washington has been aware of the interceptor shortfall for months, the Journal reports. In response, the Pentagon has provided:
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THAAD missile defense systems
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U.S. Navy warships equipped to intercept missiles
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Additional missile defense assets deployed to the Middle East
However, defense analysts warn that the U.S. is also at risk of rapidly depleting its own missile stocks if the current pace continues.
⚠️ A Shifting Battlefield
The launch of hypersonic Fattah-1 missiles marks a significant escalation in Iran’s offensive capability. These missiles are much harder to track and intercept, posing a direct challenge to Israel’s multi-layered air defense network, which includes Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow systems.
Military observers say Israel may need urgent resupply or a shift in strategy if the frequency and sophistication of Iranian missile attacks continue.
đ§ Bottom Line
As the largest-ever military confrontation between Israel and Iran unfolds, the strain on air defense systems could reshape both countries’ military calculations — and challenge the capacity of even the most advanced allied defense partnerships.