A Wall Street Journal report reveals Iran adapted its missile tactics during Operation Rising Lion, doubling the breach rate in Israel’s air defense systems through trial-and-error strategies.
In a troubling revelation, the Wall Street Journal has reported that Iran successfully exploited gaps in Israel’s sophisticated air defense systems during Operation Rising Lion, resulting in increased civilian casualties. Defense analysts say Tehran employed a methodical “trial and error” strategy, adjusting its missile tactics based on battlefield feedback and real-time data.
The report, based on expert analysis of missile remnants and strike patterns, suggests Iran refined both the timing and diversity of its missile attacks. This evolving approach significantly challenged Israel’s layered defense network, developed in collaboration with the United States and considered one of the most advanced in the world.
Initially, Israel’s missile shield proved highly effective, intercepting the vast majority of incoming threats. In the first half of the conflict, only about 8% of Iranian missiles breached Israel’s defenses. However, by the latter stages of the 12-day war, this figure had doubled to 16%, indicating a marked decline in interception success.
Iran’s strategy included launching fewer but more sophisticated missiles from multiple, dispersed locations—making them harder to track and intercept. Experts noted that while the volume of missile attacks decreased, the accuracy and success rate increased, raising serious concerns about Israel’s long-term defense resilience.
Crucially, Iran also expanded the geographic scope of its targets and fine-tuned the timing of barrages, further straining Israel’s interception capabilities.
The findings underscore a critical vulnerability: even the most advanced defense systems have limits. Analysts warn that if Iran continues to iterate and enhance its missile program based on operational feedback, Israel and its allies may face greater challenges in preventing future breaches and protecting civilian populations.
The report raises alarm among defense circles, pointing to an urgent need for Israel to adapt its own strategies and upgrade its systems to counter a more agile and learning adversary.
