How many drones did Iran launch toward Israel in retaliation for Operation Rising Lion in June 2025?

In June 2025, a significant escalation of tensions between Iran and Israel led to a widespread conflict, often referred to as the Twelve-Day War, which commenced with Israel's "Operation Rising Lion". This operation involved Israeli strikes on Iranian military, nuclear, and leadership targets. In response to these initial attacks, Iran launched a substantial retaliatory offensive, codenamed "Operation True Promise III," targeting various sites within Israel, including civilian population centers, a hospital, and numerous military, energy, and government installations.

During this period of heightened conflict, Iran deployed a considerable number of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, towards Israel. Estimates indicate that Iran launched over 1,000 one-way attack drones as part of its retaliatory measures. These drone (Deals) attacks were often accompanied by ballistic missile launches, with Iran firing an estimated 550 ballistic missiles in addition to the drones. The sheer volume of these aerial assaults underscored the intensity of the conflict and the sophisticated capabilities employed by both sides.

The extensive use of drones by Iran in June 2025 highlights a growing trend in modern warfare, where such uncrewed aircraft play an increasingly critical role in offensive operations. These drones, along with ballistic missiles, were part of a coordinated effort to inflict damage and demonstrate Iran's capacity to respond to perceived threats. While many of the incoming projectiles were intercepted by Israeli and allied defense systems, the scale of the attacks presented a significant challenge. The events of June 2025 marked a pivotal moment in the ongoing regional dynamics, showcasing the devastating potential of advanced weaponry in the context of geopolitical rivalries.