The Israeli Air Force conducted a preemptive strike destroying six Iranian ballistic missile launchers just minutes before they were set to launch toward Israel, along with three advanced air defense systems, as part of Operation Roaring Lion. Launched earlier in March 2026, the operation aims to degrade Iran’s offensive missile capabilities and limit its ability to retaliate in the ongoing regional conflict.

According to IDF assessments and Institute for the Study of War data, over 60% of Iran’s 300-plus ballistic missile launchers have been neutralized within the first week of Operation Roaring Lion. By eliminating these critical assets, Israel has shifted the conflict dynamic, limiting Tehran’s capacity for retaliation while minimizing broader escalation risks. The operation demonstrates both strategic foresight and tactical precision in countering Iran’s missile threat.