Explainer

What Are Israel’s Air Defenses Against Iran’s Missiles, Drones?

Iran Vows Retaliation After Israel Strikes Nuclear ProgramPhotographer: Menahem Kahana/AFP/Getty Images

Israel prides itself on having some of the best air defenses in the world, and these billion-dollar systems have been put to the test since the Iran-backed Palestinian group Hamas provoked a new war with Israel in October 2023. Militant organizations supported by Iran have launched rockets, missiles and drones at Israel. Iran itself has struck repeatedly, most recently in June after Israel launched a major attack targeting the Islamic republic’s nuclear facilities and military leadership.