Iran rocket barrage on Israel sparks allied defense response
11:45 AM EDT, October 2, 2024
Echoes of the rocket barrage on Israel, carried out by Iran on the evening of October 1, still reverberate. Approximately 200 rockets were launched, and not only did Israel's advanced missile defense system respond, but so did weapons used by at least two of its allies.
UK Defense Minister John Healey stated that British forces assisted Israel in repelling the Iranian rocket attack. He did not specify the extent of support, but according to BBC reports, British aircraft participated in the defensive action.
The Pentagon also issued a statement confirming the involvement of American forces in the defense of Israel. In this case, slightly more details were made public. Several interceptor missiles were fired from two ships that have been stationed in the Middle East for a long time.
The powers helped Israel fend off an attack by Iran
American warships are currently stationed in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, the Red Sea, the Gulf of Oman, and the Arabian Sea. They have been on high alert since October 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked Israel. This time, interceptor missiles aboard the USS Bulkeley (DDG-84) and USS Cole (DDG-67) were used.
American destroyers defend israel
These are Arleigh Burke-class American destroyers, characterized by a length of approximately 509 feet and a width of about 66 feet. They achieve a maximum speed of around 35 mph. In addition to electronic warfare systems, they have a wide range of armaments, including rifles, naval guns, torpedo launchers, and various types of missiles. The Pentagon has not disclosed the specific means used to counter the missiles fired by Iran.
The exact scope of UK support also remains unclear. The BBC reported the use of British aircraft but did not specify which units were involved.
Most likely, these were British fighters that, like American fighters and ships, have been stationed at bases in the Middle East for some time. In April, during a previous Iranian attack on Israel with rockets, Eurofighter Typhoon fighters were used. These aircraft can reach speeds of approximately 1,320 mph. In addition to a standard 27 mm cannon, they are equipped to carry various types of rocket missiles, as well as cruise missiles and bombs.
