Not just Patriot interceptors: A defense expert explains the various weapons US and allies use to defend against missiles and drones

Evolving missile and drone threats have compelled the U.S. and its allies to develop diverse defensive weapons beyond traditional Patriot interceptors. Iran has conducted daily aerial attacks using missiles and drones against Israel and Persian Gulf region countries, including a large-scale raid in December 2025. Hamas launched thousands of low-cost rockets against Israel in October 2023, overwhelming its Iron Dome system. The high cost of interceptors, which can be several million dollars each, makes them economically unfeasible against cheaper threats like rockets costing $100,000, leading to concerns about depleted interceptor stocks in the Gulf states and the U.S. Militaries are now deploying alternative systems such as the U.S. Navy’s Phalanx Close-In Weapon System, anti-drone drones like Merops, and developing directed energy weapons to counter these threats.