Huge question mark over Iron Dome, David’s Sling, Arrow and THAAD as they fail to stop missiles fired at Israel by Houthis

New Delhi/Tel Aviv: A missile fired by Houthi rebels from Yemen fell near the main terminal of Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport on Sunday, 04 May 2025 morning. The sight of black smoke rising from the missile’s impact caused panic among the people. The missile landed very close to the country’s largest airport.

Houthi rebel spokesman Yahya Saree stated in his post-attack statement that they have breached Israel’s air defense. Israeli sources have also acknowledged that their air defense system has failed badly.

Israel reportedly has the world’s best aerial defense system, Iron Dome, to intercept missile attacks. The United States has also deployed its THAAD air defense system in Israel. Amidst tensions with Iran, the US deployed the THAAD system in Israel last year. THAAD is considered one of the world’s best air defense systems. Thus, Israel possesses two modern air defense systems.

According to the Times of Israel, both Israel and the United States’ air defenses failed to intercept a missile launched by Houthi rebels on Sunday, 04 May 2025. Israel’s ‘Arrow’ and the U.S. THAAD systems were unable to destroy the missile in the air. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that they made several attempts to intercept the Houthi missile but were unsuccessful, and the missile fell near Ben Gurion Airport. However, it landed some distance away from the main building of the airport.

America’s THAAD, or Terminal High Altitude Area Defense, is designed to intercept and destroy short, medium, and intermediate range ballistic missiles. In contrast, Israel’s Arrow air defense is a long-range missile defense system. This system is made to stop ballistic missiles.

After the Houthi missile attacks, Israel’s defense minister stated that anyone who harms us will face greater harm in return. This suggests that Israel may begin airstrikes in Yemen. The U.S. has already been bombarding Yemen. Despite the attacks, the Houthis have stated that they will not retreat in the war.

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