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Israel is running low on defensive missile interceptors, according to a new report.
The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reports that Israel is running low on Arrow missile interceptors, citing an unnamed U.S. official.
The interceptors play an important role in countering long-range ballistic missiles from Iran. The report claimed there was a "growing concern" Israel was burning through its defensive capabilities in the face of Iranian attacks.
The US has been aware of the capacity problems for months, the official said, and Washington has been augmenting Israel's defenses with systems on the ground, at sea, and in the air.
Since the conflict escalated in June, the Pentagon has sent more missile defense assets into the region, and now there is concern about the US burning through interceptors as well.
"Neither the U.S. nor the Israelis can continue to sit and intercept missiles all day," said Tom Karako, director of the Missile Defense Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
"The Israelis and their friends need to move with all deliberate haste to do whatever needs to be done, because we cannot afford to sit and play catch."
Israel Aerospace Industries, the company that makes Arrow interceptors, did not respond to requests for comment.
The Israeli army said in a statement, "The Israeli army is prepared and ready to handle any scenario." Unfortunately, we are unable to comment on matters related to munitions."
The long-range Arrow-2 and Arrow-3 interceptors were developed by Israel with an Iranian missile threat in mind. They are designed to engage incoming targets both inside and outside the atmosphere, respectively.
The interceptors operate at an altitude that allows for the safe dispersal of any non-conventional warheads.
State-owned Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) is the project's main contractor, while Boeing is involved in producing the interceptors.
The Arrow 3 interceptor is part of the Arrow Weapon System (AWS), described as the world's first operational, national, stand-alone anti-tactical ballistic missile defense system.
Based on the Arrow 2 and Arrow 3 interceptors, the Arrow modular air defense systems detect, track, intercept, and destroy incoming ballistic missiles carrying various warheads over a large area.
An Arrow 3 battery can intercept salvos of more than five ballistic missiles within 30 seconds, according to technical specifications.
The Arrow 3 is jointly developed by Israel and the United States. In November 2007, $98 million was allocated for the development of Arrow 3.
In January 2017, Israel's Missile Defense Organization transferred the first operational Arrow-3 interceptors to the Israeli Air Force.
The system has been tested multiple times, with successful intercepts recorded against various target types.
Germany has signed a deal with Israel for the purchase of Arrow 3 systems. In September 2023, Israel and Germany officially signed a deal for the nearly €4 billion ($4.6 billion) purchase of the Arrow 3 long-range air defense system.
The Israeli Ministry of Defense confirmed in June 2025 that Israel and Germany launched preparations for the delivery of the Arrow 3 system to the German Armed Forces, aka the Bundeswehr.
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