Rockets launched towards Israel from the northern Gaza Strip and response from the Israeli missile defense system known as the Iron Dome leave streaks through the sky on May 14, 2021 in Gaza City, Gaza. (Photo by Fatima Shbair/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON — The US Army will send its two Iron Dome batteries back to Israel, a defense official confirmed today.
“As we’ve said previously, the U.S. will be flowing additional Iron Dome support to Israel. As a result, the Department of Defense is currently engaged in planning to support the provision of U.S. Iron Dome batteries to Israel,” the official said in a statement. “However, due to operational security, we are unable to provide further details at this time.”
The official added that “we will be flowing in additional interceptors so Israel can sustain their Iron Dome defense systems and protect their citizens and cities,” but said there were no details on that front ready to be announced.
Reuters first reported the plan to ship the two Iron Dome batteries, currently held at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) in Washington, back to Israel.
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Since the Oct. 7 attacks by Hamas, Israel has been under a constant barrage of rockets, with today seeing some of the heaviest incoming fire of the conflict. As a result, the Biden administration has prioritized getting air defenses up and running in the region. Of particular desire by Israel are more interceptors for the Iron Dome, considered the first line of defense for Israel against low-level rockets and drones.
Sending the Iron Dome batteries to Jerusalem fits with the administration’s goal of beefing up Israel’s protection — and removes a headache from Army leadership, who have for several years made clear they have no interest in the Iron Dome batteries they have in stock, preferring to look elsewhere to fill its need for the Indirect Fire Protection Capability Increment 2 (IFPC Inc 2) program. The Iron Domes, which were briefly tested in Guam, have largely been held at JBLM without use as the service figured out what to do with them.
The US Marines, in contrast, have plans to expand their buy of Iron Dome batteries, following protype efforts that remove the Rafael-made Iron Dome launcher from its heavy base, mounts it on the back of a trailer to fire Tamir missiles and integrates it with other service capabilities.
Read more coverage of the Israel-Hamas conflict:
- In Beirut, anger in the street amid fears of escalation with Israel
- At Israel’s northern border, growing concerns about Hezbollah as week 3 of war looms
- On Israel’s front line, a grim silence and a military build-up
- How drone warfare in Israel could dramatically change if Hezbollah joins the fight: Analysts
- The Israeli Gaza campaign: High expectations, big risks and bleak outcomes
- Ukraine, Israel, submarines: What’s in Biden’s $105B supplemental request
- Hamas attack might freeze Saudi-Israeli normalization, but won’t likely kill it: Analysts
