Qatar successfully intercepted Iranian missiles targeting the US Al Udeid Air Base using Patriot and other missile defense systems, amid heightened tensions following US strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities. Qatar's air defenses, including US-made Patriot systems, NASAMS, and upcoming THAAD systems, played a crucial role in thwarting the attack, which was part of Iran's retaliatory response to US actions.
Iran launched a missile attack on Haifa, Israel, hitting strategic points and injuring at least two people, amid ongoing conflict with Israel which also involved extensive Israeli strikes inside Iran targeting military and nuclear sites. The conflict has resulted in significant casualties and international tensions, with Israel considering further actions and the U.S. deploying additional forces to the region.
The US Navy used the SM-3 missile interceptor for the first time in combat to defend Israel from an Iranian attack, with Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro confirming its use during a Senate hearing. The SM-3, part of the Navy's Aegis Combat System, was employed to engage Iranian ballistic missiles, marking its first combat use despite being fielded nearly 20 years ago. Additionally, Israel's Arrow 3 missile defense system was also utilized to intercept Iranian threats, with both the US and Israel successfully countering the unprecedented barrage of missiles and drones launched by Iran and its proxies.
Israel's F-35I Adir stealth fighter jets, housed at Nevatim Airbase, successfully defended against Iranian missiles with military assistance from allies including the US, the UK, Jordan, and France. The F-35I, a variant of the US-made Lockheed Martin Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter, is known for its advanced stealth and information-processing capabilities, and can reach supersonic speeds of Mach 1.6.
