Israeli Navy and Air Force Shoot Down More Drones in Wake of Iranian Attack

Latest Developments

The Israeli Air Force (IAF) downed a drone on April 15 one day after the Israeli Navy intercepted a drone — the latest attacks on Israel following Iran’s onslaught. The drone shot down by the IAF “was monitored by IDF soldiers, did not pose a threat and no sirens were sounded according to protocol,” the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said. On the evening of April 14, an Israeli Navy Sa’ar 6 operating near Eilat in the Red Sea intercepted a hostile drone using Israel’s C-Dome air defense system. No one was injured in the attacks, and no group took responsibility for them. Iranian-backed groups from Yemen and Iraq have repeatedly targeted Israel with drones since the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7.

Expert Analysis

“Americans can be proud of the role that U.S. forces played in defending Israel against the unprecedented attack by the Islamic Republic of Iran this weekend. The attack would have killed many people if it were not for the defensive capabilities of Israel and the United States. This major attack should eliminate any lingering doubt regarding the identity of the real threat to regional security: the Islamic Republic of Iran. The United States, its Arab partners, and Israel should now redouble efforts to build a combined regional security architecture to detect, deter, and defeat aggression from Iran.” — Bradley Bowman, Senior Director of FDD’s Center on Military and Political Power

“The Iranian attack on Israel on April 14 and 15 as well as recent attacks by Iranian-backed groups in Iraq, Yemen, Syria, and Lebanon illustrate the rising drone threats in the Middle East. Iranian-backed terrorist groups increasingly use kamikaze drones to target Israel, U.S. forces, and ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Oman. It is important that the United States, Israel, and other partner countries work closely to counter these emerging threats.” — Seth J. Frantzman, FDD Adjunct Fellow

U.S. Central Command Downed 80 Drones Launched by Iran

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces, supported by European Command destroyers, destroyed more than 80 drones and at least six ballistic missiles intended to strike Israel from Iran and Yemen, CENTCOM said in a statement. “This includes a ballistic missile on its launcher vehicle and seven UAVs destroyed on the ground in Iranian-backed Houthi controlled areas of Yemen prior to their launch,” CENTCOM said. “Iran’s continued unprecedented, malign, and reckless behavior endangers regional stability and the safety of U.S. and coalition forces. CENTCOM remains postured to support Israel’s defense against these dangerous actions by Iran.” IDF Chief of Staff Herzi HaLevi spoke to CENTCOM head General Michael “Erik” Kurilla on April 14 to express “great appreciation for the joint defensive effort in thwarting and intercepting the Iranian attack toward Israel,” the IDF said.

Related Analysis

“Israel’s Maritime Iron Dome Makes First Successful Intercept,” FDD Flash Brief

“Iran Attacks Israel With Drone and Missile Barrage,” FDD Flash Brief

“CENTCOM Commander Lands in Israel Amid Iran Threats,” FDD Flash Brief