US Research Institute Admits: 70% of Iranian Missiles Hit Israel

The Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs (JINSA), a US-based research organization, has revealed that during the 12-day Iran-Israel conflict, only 201 out of 574 Iranian missiles were intercepted by Israel and its allies, meaning approximately 70% of the missiles struck their targets.

According to Iran’s online news outlet *Hamshahri Kayhan*, despite Israel’s official and military claims that only a small fraction—estimated at less than 10%—of Iranian missiles hit their targets, JINSA’s report paints a starkly different picture. The report states that the US and Israel deployed advanced systems, including the US-made THAAD, Israel’s Arrow-2, and Arrow-3 missile defense systems, yet they could only intercept 201 missiles. The remaining missiles struck various locations in Israel.

During the conflict, 92 THAAD interceptors were used, representing 14% of the US’s total stockpile of 632 interceptors. This significant depletion in just 12 days raises questions about the reliability of US reserves and its ability to support allies. JINSA’s Foreign Policy Director, Ari Cicurel, noted, “Despite extensive defense systems, Israel intercepted only 201 missiles. While this is a partial technological success, it highlights the limitations of defense systems on a larger scale.” He warned that prolonged multi-front conflicts could threaten both Israel’s and the US’s defense capabilities, urging the US to urgently replenish its stockpiles. JINSA analysts highlighted the slow production rate of missile interceptors, particularly the THAAD interceptors manufactured by Lockheed Martin, estimating that restocking could take 3 to 8 years. The report also questions the effectiveness of these defense systems in prolonged conflicts, given the high success rate of Iranian missiles. According to the US military, each THAAD interceptor costs approximately $12.7 million. In 2024, the US received 11 new interceptors, with 12 more expected by year-end, but this slow supply chain raises concerns in the current conflict scenario. *The Wall Street Journal* noted that if Iran had launched a few more missiles, Israel’s Arrow-3 system could have been entirely depleted.

The conflict exposed significant gaps in the US military supply chain, highlighting its inadequate preparedness for modern, large-scale missile attacks. *Stars and Stripes* reported that the US used 14% of its THAAD interceptors to defend Israel, and replenishing this shortfall could take 3 to 8 years, posing a significant strategic cost. This situation raises critical questions about the fate of US and Israeli defense systems in a prolonged conflict with even more missile strikes.