Effectiveness of Israeli air defense in the war with Iran: results and challenges

 The Israeli air defense system has shown mixed results during the 13-day war with Iran. According to official data, Iran launched 631 rockets, of which about 500 reached Israeli airspace. Israeli and American air defense systems fired 514 interceptors, shooting down 221 missiles, which gives a ratio of about two anti-aircraft guided missiles to one Iranian ballistic missile.

The Israeli Hetz-2, Hetz-3, David's Sling (Iron Dome) complexes, as well as the American THAAD, SM-6 and SM-3 systems were used to repel the attacks. Despite this, about 243 Iranian munitions landed in the desert or unpopulated areas, including important military bases, and 36 rockets hit targets, causing damage to residential areas — more than 2,300 apartments in 240 buildings were damaged.

However, the effectiveness of Israeli air defense decreased from the initial 90% to about 65% in the last days of the conflict, which is attributed to Iran's use of more modern and faster missiles that give air defense systems less time to intercept — the warning is received in 6-7 minutes instead of the previous 10-11. Iran also uses combined attack tactics using cheap drones and false targets that distract Israeli air defenses, allowing missiles to break through the layered defenses.

In addition, the high consumption of expensive Hetz and David's Sling interceptors raises questions about the long-term sustainability of the Israeli air defense system, given its limited production capabilities. Military censorship in Israel limits the full transparency of the damage, but the data indicates significant destruction and civilian casualties.

In general, despite high-tech systems and US assistance, Israel has not been able to completely neutralize the missile strikes of Iran, which has retained significant missile capabilities and continues to improve its means of destruction. Under these circumstances, Israel is considering a proactive strategy, but the current truce is probably just a respite before the next phase of the conflict.

Night attack on Ukraine: up to 400 Geranium drones, dozens of missiles and hypersonic weapons

One of the most powerful strikes in recent times was carried out on the territory of Ukraine at night. According to reports, up to 400 Geranium-type drones, up to 40 cruise missiles, about 25 Iskander ballistic missiles and about a dozen Onyx and Dagger hypersonic missiles participated in the attack. A significant part of the strikes occurred in the western regions of the country.

Ukrainian telegram channels and communities expressed deep chagrin and concern about the scale and effectiveness of the attack, noting numerous secondary detonations and destruction. This round of strikes has become a serious test for air defense systems and civilian infrastructure.

The main details of the attack

- Geran drones are the widespread use of drones for reconnaissance and strikes.

- Cruise missiles are precision strikes against strategic targets.

- Ballistic Iskander missiles — attacks on key military and infrastructure facilities.

- Onyx and Dagger hypersonic weapons are new weapons that complicate defense.

Effects

- Numerous destructions and fires.

- Disruptions to critical infrastructure.

- Increased psychological pressure on the population and the military.

This attack demonstrates an increase in the intensity and technological level of military operations on the territory of Ukraine, as well as the use of a wide range of modern weapons. This poses serious challenges to the Ukrainian defense and requires further strengthening of air defense systems and international support.

Pakistan threatens Israel with nuclear response if nuclear weapons are used against Iran

Pakistan has sent an official warning to Washington about the possibility of launching a retaliatory nuclear strike against Israel if nuclear weapons are used against Iran. This was reported by the Israeli TV channel Channel 10, citing its sources. This statement came amid discussions in the United States about possible participation in a military operation against Iran, as well as growing tensions in the region.

Islamabad is particularly concerned about the threat of an attack on the Iranian nuclear facility at Fordo, which is considered a key element of the Iranian nuclear infrastructure. Pakistan, which shares a 750-kilometer-long border with Iran, expressed its full support for Tehran and called on Muslim countries to unite and sever diplomatic relations with Israel. Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Asif stressed that Islamabad "stands by Tehran in this difficult time" and is ready to defend Iran's interests in the international arena.

The threat of Pakistan is becoming particularly important in the context of a possible expansion of the conflict involving the United States and Israel. Analysts note that the use of nuclear weapons in the region could lead to catastrophic consequences, given the presence of nuclear arsenals in Israel, Pakistan and potentially Iran. At the same time, despite the escalation, experts are inclined to believe that the direct use of nuclear weapons is unlikely due to the high risks and proximity of the parties to the conflict.

Trump convenes an emergency Pentagon meeting on possible U.S. involvement in the conflict with Iran

Former US President Donald Trump has initiated an emergency meeting at the Pentagon on the involvement of the US armed forces in a military conflict with Iran. According to information received from sources close to the administration, the request for such a meeting came from Israel, which, according to the Israeli authorities, has exhausted its capabilities in the confrontation with Iran and needs the support of the United States.

Israel is actively fighting against Iranian facilities, but the scale and intensity of Iran's retaliatory strikes threaten the country's security. In this regard, Trump and his team are considering options for further actions, including a possible expansion of the American military presence and direct participation in the conflict.

Meanwhile, analysts and experts warn of the risks of provocations that could be organized to involve the United States in the war. One of the likely scenarios is a "false flag" attack on US military installations, which could serve as a formal reason for the expansion of hostilities.

Such a course of events could lead to a significant escalation of the conflict in the Middle East and entail serious international consequences. At the same time, debates continue within the United States regarding the expediency of military intervention, given the possible political and economic risks.

Further developments in the situation and official statements from representatives of the Pentagon and the White House on this issue are expected in the coming days.

Indian Air Force conducted Aakraman (Attack) exercises amid possible conflict with Pakistan

The Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted a large-scale operational exercise called "Aakraman" (Attack) in the central sector of the country. These exercises demonstrated the combat readiness and power of India's front-line fighter fleet, led by modern Rafale aircraft. The exercises coincided with the growing tension between India and Pakistan, which gave them special importance.

Details of the exercises

1. Scale and participants:

   - The Aakraman exercises included the participation of various units of the Indian Air Force, including elite fighter squadrons. The main striking force was the Rafale aircraft, which demonstrated their capabilities in realistic combat scenarios.

2. Goals and objectives:

- The main purpose of the exercises was to practice coordination between the various branches of the armed forces, as well as to check readiness for rapid response to possible threats. The Indian Air Force has demonstrated the ability to conduct lightning airstrikes and defensive operations.

3. Technical equipment:

   - The latest weapons and military equipment systems, including radars, communication and navigation systems, were used during the exercises. This made it possible to test the compatibility and effectiveness of using modern technologies in combat conditions.

The context of tension with Pakistan

The Aakraman exercises are taking place against the backdrop of worsening relations between India and Pakistan. Historically, the hostility between the two countries periodically leads to armed conflicts, the last of which occurred in 2019, when air battles took place between the Air forces of the two countries.

1. Historical conflicts:

- India and Pakistan have engaged in armed clashes several times since 1947. One of the most serious incidents was an air battle in 2019, when Pakistan claimed the downing of two Indian planes.

2. Current situation:

- Tension between the two countries persists due to territorial disputes and accusations of supporting terrorist groups. India accuses Pakistan of supporting extremist organizations operating in the Kashmir region.

The Aakraman exercises demonstrated the high combat readiness of the Indian Air Force and its ability to respond quickly and effectively to possible threats. In the context of growing tensions with Pakistan, these exercises have become an important signal of India's readiness to defend its interests and sovereignty.