On Tuesday, U.S. Navy destroyers successfully intercepted several Iranian missiles that were on their way to Israel. This important defense action took place in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. The Navy announced the successful engagement on Wednesday morning, revealing that the Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, USS Cole (DDG 67) and USS Bulkeley (DDG 84), played a key role in stopping the missiles.
Navy Captain Bill Urban, the spokesman for U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa, stated that the destroyers were equipped with the Aegis weapons system, specifically designed to defend against ballistic missiles. The U.S. had positioned these ships in the Mediterranean Sea as a precaution before the Iranian missile launch, showing their readiness to protect Israel.
The Navy also released two videos showing the USS Bulkeley launching interceptors to take down the incoming missiles. However, details about the specific types of interceptors used and how many missiles were successfully destroyed were not fully disclosed.
Air Force General Pat Ryder, a top spokesperson for the Pentagon, mentioned that about a dozen interceptors were launched against the Iranian missiles. Still, he did not confirm whether these interceptors were Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) types, which are specifically designed for midcourse engagements when missiles are outside the Earth’s atmosphere. Another type, the SM-6, is used for defense when missiles are coming down towards their targets.
This was not the first time U.S. destroyers had engaged Iranian missiles. The SM-3 interceptors were used in combat for the first time earlier in the year during another Iranian attack against Israel. Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro has expressed a desire for more of these interceptors, despite plans from the Pentagon’s Missile Defense Agency to limit their procurement.
On the same day, the Chief of Staff of the Israeli Armed Forces reported that around 200 Iranian missiles were launched toward Israel. Fortunately, the damage was described as “relatively minor.” Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi explained that Iranian forces targeted civilian areas, putting many lives at risk. However, he praised the high-quality defenses in place and the behavior of civilians for minimizing the impact.
Some targets were hit, including the Tel Nof Air Base near Tel Aviv, which is home to Israeli fighter jets. Despite the attacks, operations at the base continued without interruption. Halevi emphasized that the base remains fully operational and capable of launching strikes when necessary.
U.S. officials have been working behind the scenes to encourage Israel to respond cautiously to the latest missile barrage. However, statements from Israeli leaders indicate a strong likelihood of a significant retaliatory response. As Israel prepares for Rosh Hashanah, a major holiday, more developments are expected soon.
This incident highlights the ongoing tensions in the region and the critical role of U.S. Navy forces in protecting allies and responding to threats.
