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U.S. Military Fired Over 300 Interceptors Defending Israel in Operation Epic Fury
The U.S. military expended more than 300 interceptors protecting Israel during Operation Epic Fury, exceeding the number fired by Israeli forces. The Washington Post reported the figures based on Defense Department assessments and unnamed U.S. officials.
May 21, 5:02 PM·1m read1 source
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U.S. military fired more than 200 THAAD interceptors and over 100 SM-3 and SM-6 interceptors during Operation Epic Fury, according to The Washington Post. Israel fired fewer than 100 Arrow interceptors and about 90 David's Sling interceptors in the same operation.
U.S. fired roughly 120 more interceptors than Israel and engaged twice as many Iranian missiles. U.S. as carrying the defensive burden.
U.S. military has used between 45% and 61% of its Patriot missiles since the Iran war began, according to a Center for Strategic and International Studies report. Between 1,060 and 1,430 of the 2,330 Patriot missiles in the stockpile have been expended.
Replenishing key munition stockpiles could take more than five years, the CSIS report said, citing Department of War defense budget materials. U.S. share of the defense mission if Iran resumes major missile attacks.
"We do not discuss munitions for operational security reasons," a Department of War official told the Daily Caller News Foundation. " Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell told the DCNF that both countries carried the defensive burden equitably and employed fighter aircraft, counter-UAS systems, and other air and missile defense capabilities.
U.S. military to be prepared for a full-scale assault on Iran if an acceptable deal is not reached.
