U.S. quietly shipped hellfire missiles to Israel days before strikes on Iran, report reveals

The United States quietly delivered a shipment of approximately 300 Hellfire missiles to Israel just three days before the Israeli military launched an unprecedented aerial assault on Iran.

The Hellfire missile, originally developed during the Cold War to counter Soviet armour, has evolved into a staple of U.S. and allied air operations. The most advanced version, known as the AGM-114R or Hellfire Romeo, features a semi-active laser guidance system and a blast fragmentation sleeve warhead. Its ability to be launched from a range of platforms, from helicopters and UAVs to naval vessels, makes it a key component in modern tactical warfare.

Although it is not designed to penetrate hardened underground facilities, such as Iran’s nuclear bunkers, it is highly effective against surface targets including vehicles, radar systems and personnel compounds. This makes it well-suited for Israel’s reported objectives in the recent strike.

Based on the information from two unnamed U.S. officials, the shipment, which had not been previously reported, occurred on June 10 as part of a broader U.S. effort to resupply Israeli forces amid heightened regional tensions. Israel’s strike on Iran, carried out early on June 13, involved more than 100 aircraft and reportedly targeted senior Iranian military officials, nuclear scientists and key command infrastructure.

“There is a time and place for Hellfires. They were useful to Israel,” one senior U.S. defence official said.

U.S. military intercepts Iranian missiles targeting Israel

The American support for Israel’s operation extends beyond logistics.

The same officials confirmed on Friday, June 13, that American forces played an active role in intercepting Iranian missiles fired in retaliation at Israeli targets following the strike. One of the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the missile interceptions were conducted using ground-based defence systems. Fighter jets and naval warships, often employed in past joint defence operations, have not yet been used in the current round of missile defence activity, the official added.

The officials did not disclose the exact locations from which the U.S. intercepts were launched, citing security sensitivities. However, the coordinated defence efforts between Israel and the U.S. underscores the depth of military integration between the two allies.

Moreover, the U.S. maintains approximately 40,000 military personnel throughout the Middle East, along with a robust array of air defence systems, fighter aircraft and naval assets strategically positioned to respond to emerging threats.

In previous incidents involving Iranian missile and drone attacks on Israel, the U.S. military has utilized both fighter jets and Navy vessels to shoot down incoming projectiles.

yogaesoteric
June 17, 2025