The Israel Defense Forces said that its Air Force and Navy units have intercepted more than 100 drones launched from Iran toward Israeli territory since the beginning of the current operation.
The interceptions were carried out by a combination of fighter aircraft, attack helicopters, and missile boats. According to a statement from Israel’s Ministry of Defense, the Navy’s missile ship flotilla has played a key role in defending Israeli airspace.
“Missile ships of the 3rd Flotilla, in coordination with the Air Force, continue to operate across all theaters and serve as a force multiplier in the mission of defending Israel’s skies,” the statement said.
During the overnight hours, Israeli Navy vessels intercepted eight Iranian drones over the sea. Since the start of the operation, the Navy has downed approximately 25 unmanned aerial vehicles that were considered a threat to Israeli civilians.
The interceptors deployed from the Saar 6-class missile corvettes are designed to counter a wide range of aerial threats, including drones, cruise missiles, high-trajectory projectiles, and shore-launched missiles. The ships are equipped with integrated air defense systems that provide multi-layered coverage along Israel’s maritime borders.
The IDF also noted that the Barak Magen air defense system was used operationally for the first time, along with the long-range interceptor missile known as LRAD. The system is mounted aboard the Saar 6 vessels and is designed to provide broad-area coverage against aerial threats beyond the coast.