The success of ballistic missile defenses in recent combat scenarios in Israel, the Red Sea, and Ukraine has experts predicting a global increase in investment in these systems, leading to intensified missile arms races.
In a recent incident, Iran launched around 120 intermediate-range ballistic missiles at Israel, but U.S. SM-3 and Israeli Arrow interceptors managed to destroy most of them. This successful defense against a large-scale attack has highlighted the importance of investing in advanced missile defense systems.
Experts believe that more countries will follow suit in investing in ballistic missile defense, which could result in a windfall for companies like Lockheed Martin and Raytheon, who specialize in building these systems. The recent conflicts in Israel, Gaza, and Ukraine have underscored the need for robust missile defense capabilities.
Countries like the Netherlands, Germany, Sweden, and Poland already operate advanced Western ballistic missile defense systems, such as Raytheon’s Patriot batteries. Additionally, countries in the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, and Bahrain, have also invested in missile defense systems to protect against regional threats.
The escalating arms race in Asia, particularly with China’s significant investment in conventionally armed ballistic missiles, has further emphasized the importance of missile defense systems. Countries like Japan, Australia, and South Korea are prime candidates for such systems, given the increasing missile threats in the region.
Overall, the success of missile defense systems in recent conflicts has highlighted the need for continued investment in these technologies to protect against evolving threats. The geopolitical landscape is shifting, and countries are recognizing the importance of having robust missile defense capabilities to safeguard their territories and populations.