The U.S. Defense Department plans to deploy two Iron Dome air defense batteries to Israel, along with additional missile interceptors, according to chief Pentagon spokesperson Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder. This follows President Biden’s recent emergency spending request of $4 billion to Congress for procurement of Iron Dome Defense System capabilities and David’s Sling short-range ballistic missile defense. The president’s request includes an additional $1.2 billion for research, development, test, and evaluation work on Iron Beam, a proposed laser upgrade to Iron Dome.
Ryder also revealed that the Pentagon has mobilized 900 personnel for deployment related to a Middle East mission. They will be assigned to Patriot and Terminal High Altitude Air Defense systems, though they will not be dispatched to Israel. The aim is to fortify regional deterrence efforts and bolster U.S. force protection capabilities.
The spokesman cited a series of attacks by Iran-backed groups on U.S. and coalition forces in Iraq and Syria between Oct. 17-26. These attacks, undertaking a mix of rockets and drones, resulted in minor injuries to 21 U.S. personnel, some of whom were diagnosed with traumatic brain injuries. All have since returned to duty. Ryder reinforced the right to self-defense but declined to reveal any potential U.S. response to the attacks. “We would do so at a time and place of our choosing,” he said.
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