The U.S. Navy has released video showcasing the launch of ballistic missile interceptors from two guided-missile destroyers in the Eastern Mediterranean, deployed to protect Israel from an Iranian missile barrage on Tuesday.
The destroyers fired approximately a dozen interceptors as Iran launched nearly 200 ballistic missiles at Israel in the regime’s latest attack, Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder informed reporters Tuesday.
“You don’t launch that many missiles at a target without the intent on hitting something,” Ryder stated.
Capt. Bill Urban, lead spokesman for U.S. Naval Forces Europe/Africa, confirmed in a statement on Wednesday that “multiple” Iranian missiles were believed to have been “successfully engaged.”
Both destroyers, stationed in the Eastern Mediterranean prior to the Iranian barrage, are equipped with the aegis weapons system, designed for ballistic missile defense, Urban mentioned.
Three U.S. Navy destroyers have been positioned off the Eastern Mediterranean to assist in defending Israel, including the USS Arleigh Burke, USS Bulkeley and USS Cole.
In April, during the last major attack by Iran on Israel, where it fired more than 300 drones and missiles, the USS Arleigh Burke and the USS Carney successfully intercepted over 81 attack drones and at least six ballistic missiles using guided-missile destroyers.
U.S. Central Command currently possesses about twice as many aircraft, ships and missile defense systems in the region compared to April. Additional air squadrons and air support crews deployed to the region on Tuesday arrived Wednesday, with others still en route, a U.S. defense official revealed.
As the Iranian attack unfolded on Tuesday, a U.S. defense official stated: “[In] accordance with our ironclad commitment to Israel’s security, U.S. forces in the region are currently defending against Iranian-launched missiles targeting Israel.”
“Our forces remain postured to provide additional defensive support and to protect U.S. forces operating in the region,” the official added.
’ Digital’s Caitlin McFall contributed to this report.