An analysis of Pentagon budget documents, media reports, and open-source intelligence estimates that US forces fired 609 ballistic-missile interceptors to defend Israeli territory from October 2023 through September 2026, at a replacement cost of roughly $11 billion. The estimate covers engagements including Iran’s attacks in April and October 2024 and the major exchanges in 2025 and 2026. Most interceptors were expensive systems: 378 THAAD rounds, costing about $12 million each, and 186 SM-3 rounds, at about $31 million each. The remainder comprised 43 SM-6 or SM-2 rounds and two Patriot interceptors. The analysis argues that the United States expended more interceptors defending Israel than Israel itself did - an estimated 1.5 to two US rounds for every Israeli interceptor.
The tally excludes interceptors used to protect US forces and assets, even when those forces were involved in the same regional conflict. For example, it omits 30 Patriots fired to defend Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar in June 2025 and roughly 1,800 Patriots used during the first seven months of the 2026 Iran War. Because public reporting rarely identifies exact quantities, the estimate combines reported engagements with Pentagon replenishment and procurement records, using replacement funding and unit costs to infer numbers fired. Where records are incomplete, it applies reported firing ratios or military tactics, such as using salvos of at least two interceptors against a missile. The analysis also notes that US aid provides Israel $500 million annually for missile defense.
Summary generated by AI from the linked article. hn.today is not affiliated with Hacker News or Y Combinator.
From August 2028, universities in England will pay £925 ($1,200) annually for each international student above an exemption threshold of 220, including current and new students. The government expects the levy to raise revenue for education, while university leaders warn it could strain finances and push up tuition fees. (africa.businessinsider.com)
The Pentagon is developing a plan for major U.S. bases to sustain essential operations independently for 90 days, including power, water, fuel, and communications. Separately, Britain is advising households to keep enough food, water, and cash for three days of disruption; officials say the efforts are not coordinated and do not signal an imminent war. (fortune.com)
“Buy, borrow and die” lets wealthy investors hold appreciating assets, borrow against them instead of selling, and pass them to heirs, who may receive a higher tax basis. The strategy can reduce capital-gains taxes while creating demand for loans secured by investments. (wsj.com)
Microsoft is offering voluntary exits to 60,000 employees at level 70 or below in the U.S., India, Canada, and the UK. The program has prompted speculation that further layoffs are coming, but the post does not confirm that connection. (twitter.com)
The US has designated helium as a critical material, recognizing its importance to the economy and national security. Helium is used in applications including medical imaging, semiconductor manufacturing, and scientific research. (apnews.com)
Today's best Hacker News stories, summarized and screenshotted, one email a day.