Israel’s Missile Defense in Jeopardy as Arrow Interceptor Stocks Plummet

A recent report by the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) warns that Israel’s critical missile defense infrastructure is under growing strain, with interceptor supplies for the Arrow defense system reaching dangerously low levels. The system, a key shield against Iranian ballistic missile threats, now faces operational limitations that could undermine Israel’s national security and regional stability.

According to WSJ, a senior U.S. official confirmed that Arrow missiles, used as interceptors in long-range defense, are approaching depletion. This alarming decline in available firepower has raised concerns in Washington, prompting urgent reassessments of Israel’s preparedness for future missile barrages from Iran.

U.S. Concerned Over Israel’s Shrinking Interceptor Inventory

The Arrow missile system, which forms the first line of defense against Iranian ballistic missiles, is nearing a critical supply threshold. “Israel’s missile defense capability is vital, especially against threats originating from Iran,” a U.S. official told WSJ. “We’ve recognized the vulnerability and are working to reinforce Israel’s defenses against air, sea, and land-based attacks.”

U.S. Stocks Also Under Pressure After Supporting Israel

The WSJ also reported that the Pentagon’s own interceptor missile inventory is shrinking, as the U.S. has transferred part of its missile stockpile to Israel to support air operations against Iranian targets. While this assistance aims to fill immediate gaps, officials caution that the sustainability of this support is in question, as U.S. defense stockpiles are also nearing operational limits.

Israel’s Four-Tier Defense Architecture Explained

Israel’s missile defense is structured into four strategic layers, each designed to handle distinct levels of threat:

• Iron Dome: Protects against short-range projectiles (4–70 km).

• David’s Sling: Counters tactical ballistic missiles (40–300 km).

• Arrow 2: Intercepts atmospheric ballistic threats (up to 500 km).

• Arrow 3: Engages exo-atmospheric missiles (up to 2,400 km).

The Arrow 2 and Arrow 3 systems, in particular, are vital in countering Iran’s long-range ballistic missiles. A shortage of interceptors in these layers signals a significant strategic gap in Israel’s national defense posture.

Development of the Arrow System

Arrow 2 has been in service since 2000, providing Israel with mid-to-high altitude interception capabilities. Arrow 3, introduced in 2017, adds a crucial layer of protection by targeting threats outside the Earth’s atmosphere, enabling early neutralization of long-range ballistic missiles.

With these interceptors now in short supply, Tel Aviv faces a severe vulnerability — one that not only affects domestic security but also regional defense alignments involving the United States.