LONDON (AP) — A sizable number of U.S. Patriot air defense missiles have been moved from Europe toward the Middle East as Washington diverts resources toward its war on Iran, leaving concerning gaps in Europe’s air defenses against Russia, U.S. defense officials told The Associated Press.

The top tier of Iran's remaining air defenses consists of mobile anti-aircraft missiles, often grouped together in a dozen or more on a vehicle, around 92% of which have been destroyed.

The American and Israeli air forces have a dominant advantage in the skies, but Iran can still muster some resistance.

F35 Hit by Iran: Iran today claimed that it has struck a US F-35 stealth fighter jet, forcing it into an emergency landing. While US officials confirmed damage, they stated the pilot was safe and an investigation is ongoing.

Six days into the war between the United States, Israel and Iran, bombardments are intensifying – as are questions about how long the conflict can last, whether air defence systems can keep up and

Iran has destroyed a key $300 million radar system crucial to directing US missile defense batteries in the Gulf that risks further straining the region’s ability to counter future attacks, according to a US official.

US and Israeli forces can fly deeper into Iranian territory "with relative impunity," Gen. Caine said on Monday.

The rapid spread of low-cost Iranian Shahed drones is forcing the U.S. and its allies to use expensive missile defenses to counter mass attacks.

Iranian officials say more than 170 people were killed in the strike. Neither the U.S. nor Israel has said it was behind the attack, but the Pentagon is investigating.

EADaily, March 19th, 2026. The US F-35 fighter jet made an emergency landing at the base after the Iranian shelling. This is reported by CNN, citing sources.