Breaking News: US Navy aids Israel in missile defense amid major Iranian attack, Pentagon confirms.

According to information published by the US DoD on October 1, 2024, the Pentagon has confirmed that the U.S. military coordinated closely with Israeli forces during a significant missile attack launched by Iran against Israel earlier. In a press briefing, Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder detailed that Iran fired approximately 200 ballistic missiles, targeting various locations across Israel. In response, the U.S. provided critical defense assistance to its ally.
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US Navy's Arleigh-Burke class destroyer firing RIM-161 Standard Missile 3. (Picture source: Dvids)

U.S. Navy destroyers deployed in the region, including the USS Bulkeley and USS Cole, actively participated in the missile defense operation. These ships launched a dozen interceptors in an effort to neutralize the incoming threat, offering key support to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). The specifics regarding the type of interceptor ordnance used were not disclosed, despite questions about whether the Navy utilized SM-3 missiles, a standard defense against ballistic missiles.

Maj. Gen. Ryder emphasized the close coordination between the U.S. military and Israeli forces during the attack but refrained from providing further details on the defense measures. The attack underscores the ongoing tensions in the region and the U.S.'s commitment to defending its allies.

Technical analysis

The coordination between the USS Bulkeley and USS Cole during the recent missile defense operation highlights the sophisticated capabilities of modern naval platforms and their integration with advanced missile systems like the Standard Missile-3 (SM-3). Both vessels, being Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, are equipped with the Aegis Combat System, which serves as the cornerstone for their multi-mission versatility, particularly in ballistic missile defense (BMD).

The Aegis system integrates powerful radar suites, such as the AN/SPY-1D multi-function radar, which provides the necessary detection, tracking, and discrimination of incoming ballistic threats. These destroyers leverage the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) capability, enabling them to engage and intercept ballistic missiles during various phases of their trajectory. The USS Bulkeley and USS Cole, outfitted with the Aegis BMD configuration, possess the requisite command and control infrastructure to process complex threat environments and coordinate defensive measures in real-time.

The SM-3 is a key component of the Aegis BMD system, designed to engage short to intermediate-range ballistic missiles during their midcourse phase outside the Earth’s atmosphere. The missile employs a hit-to-kill kinetic warhead, relying on precise guidance and propulsion systems to achieve successful interception. Its flight trajectory allows it to engage targets at ranges extending beyond several hundred kilometers, providing a robust defensive envelope against diverse missile threats.

The propulsion and guidance systems of the SM-3 are engineered for high maneuverability and accuracy, essential for countering agile ballistic missiles. The missile’s two-stage design comprises a solid rocket booster for initial propulsion and a second stage equipped with a thrust vector control system, enhancing its ability to adjust flight paths dynamically during interception. Additionally, the SM-3’s active radar seeker provides terminal guidance, allowing for precise targeting and minimizing the risk of collateral damage.

The interoperability between the U.S. Navy destroyers and Israeli defense systems likely involved the sharing of real-time data and coordinated engagement strategies. Such collaboration enhances the overall defensive posture, enabling both forces to leverage their respective technological strengths and operational expertise.