Last Saturday (13) was marked in history as Iran's first direct attack against Israel. Hundreds of drones, ballistic and cruise missiles were launched against the country, which claims to have downed 99% of its weapons. The following day, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) released footage of the shooting down of drones and cruise missiles by its fighter planes.
In addition to Israel's well-recognized surface-to-air defense systems, such as Iron Dome, several fighter planes took off on Saturday night to intercept Iran's suicide drones and missiles. Video published by the IDF shows Israeli Air Force fighter planes (IAF) firing missiles and shooting down the aircraft. According to the military, none of the unmanned planes reached Israeli territory.
This is what a 99% interception rate looks like. Operational footage from the Aerial Defense System protecting the Israeli airspace: pic.twitter.com/eAwcUPUDw2
- Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) April 14, 2024
The images appear to have been recorded from pods installed on the aircraft and it is possible to recognize some Shahed 136 drones and Paveh cruise missiles. After the attack, called Operation True Promise by Iran, the IDF announced that it achieved a 99% interception rate, shooting down almost all of the more than 170 drones, 120 ballistic missiles and 30 cruise missiles. Israel claims that only a few ballistic missiles reached its territory, some of which hit the Nevatim air base, but without causing much damage to infrastructure or aircraft.
In addition to the IAF's F-16, F-15 and F-35 aircraft, Fighters from the United Kingdom and the United States also took off to defend Israel of Iran's attack. It was later confirmed that US Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle fighter-bombers participated in the defense of Israel. US President Joe Biden spoke to soldiers from the 494th and 335th Fighter Squadrons, praising the airmen for their performance on Saturday.
I spoke with of the 494th and 335th Fighter Squadrons today to commend them for their exceptional airmanship and skill in defending Israel from an unprecedented aerial attack by Iran. These brave service make us all proud. pic.twitter.com/8fudfNR8uu
ADVERTISING - President Biden (@POTUS) April 14, 2024
In addition to USAF jets, Navy fighters also shot down Iranian targets, as well as ships anchored in the region. In total, US planes shot down 70 drones, US officials say.
Senior defense official: USS Arleigh Burke and Carney in Eastern Med shot down 4-6 ballistic missiles.
ADVERTISING US Army Patriot battery near Erbil shot down one ballistic missile. Vast majority of missiles downed by Israeli defenses—Arrow 2 and Arrow 3
- Brian Everstine (@beverstine) April 14, 2024
