Alliances activated: US and UK join Israel in missile defence
Echoes of the rocket barrage on Israel, carried out by Iran in the evening of October 1, still reverberate. Approximately 200 rockets were used, which not only Israel's advanced missile defence system tried to handle, but also weapons used by at least two of its allies.
UK Defence Minister John Healey said that British forces helped Israel in repelling the Iranian rocket attack. He did not specify the scope of support, but according to BBC findings, British aircraft participated in the defensive action.
The Pentagon also issued a statement confirming the participation of American forces in the defence of Israel. In this case, slightly more information was disclosed to the public. Several interceptor missiles were fired from two ships that have been stationed in the Middle East for a long time.
The great powers helped Israel repel the attack from Iran
American warships are currently stationed in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, the Red Sea, the Gulf of Oman, and also in the Arabian Sea. They have been on high alert since October 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked Israel. It is known that 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. They are characterized by a length of approximately 155 metres and a width of approximately 20 metres, and achieve a maximum speed of about 56 kilometres per hour. In addition to electronic warfare systems, they have a very wide range of armaments, including rifles, naval guns, torpedo launchers, and various types of missiles. The Pentagon has not disclosed what means were used to counter the missiles used by Iran.
The exact scope of UK support also remains shrouded in mystery. The BBC station reporting the use of British aircraft does not specify which units exactly were involved.
Most likely, however, these were British fighters, which, like American fighters and ships, have been stationed in bases in the Middle East for some time. Already in April, when Iran last attacked Israel with its rockets, Eurofighter Typhoon fighters were used. These aircraft can reach speeds of approximately 2,124 kilometres per hour. Besides the standard 27 mm cannon, they are equipped to carry various types of rocket missiles, as well as cruise missiles and bombs.
