The Iron Dome is Israel’s highly advanced air defence system, designed to intercept and destroy short-range rockets and artillery shells fired from distances of 4 to 70 kilometres away. Read here to learn more.
Developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Israel Aerospace Industries, the system was first deployed in 2011.
It has since become a cornerstone of Israel’s defensive capabilities against rocket threats from neighbouring regions, particularly from militant groups in the Gaza Strip.
Israeli air defence system
Israelโs air defence system is meant to provide multi-layered defences against a range of aerial threats, which includes aircraft, cruise and ballistic missiles as well as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
While cruise missiles fly at a low distance from the ground, ballistic missiles follow a parabolic trajectory.
It includes systems such as Arrow 2 and Arrow 3, Davidโs Sling (Stunner), Iron Dome, Patriot Advanced Capability-2, PAC-3 and advanced fighter jets operated by the countryโs air force.
- The Arrow system is a family of anti-ballistic missiles, capable of intercepting long-range missiles. Developed in collaboration with the US, Arrow-2 can intercept ballistic missiles within the atmosphere.
- Arrow-3 has the capability of intercepting missiles outside the Earthโs atmosphere and it was employed to intercept long-range missiles launched by the Houthi militia in Yemen. The Houthis are believed to be backed by Iran.
- The Davidโs Sling (or Stunner) is Israelโs medium-range air defence system, which can intercept cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, and aircraft. With a range of 300 kilometres, it also has an advanced phased-array radar for easier detection.
- The Iron Dome is Israelโs indigenous short-range air defence system. According to the manufacturer Rafel, it was first employed in combat interception in April 2011.
- The US-made Patriot PAC-2 and PAC-3ย are air defence systems that can intercept a range of missiles and target aircraft and drones. Counted as among the oldest air defence systems, they were employed during the First Gulf War in 1991 for intercepting Scud missiles launched by Iraq.
- The F-16 and F-35 fighter jetsย play a major role in air defence, being equipped with air-to-air missiles.
Components of the Iron Dome System
- Detection and Tracking Radar: The system includes a radar unit developed by ELTA Systems, a subsidiary of Israel Aerospace Industries. This radar detects the launch of rockets and tracks their trajectory.
- Battle Management and Weapon Control (BMC): The BMC is the system’s command and control centre, developed by mPrest Systems for Rafael. It analyzes data from the radar to evaluate if the incoming rocket poses a threat to populated areas or critical assets. If interception is deemed necessary, the BMC calculates the optimal timing and interception method.
- Missile Firing Unit (MFU): The MFU launches Tamir interceptor missiles, which are designed to detonate the incoming rocket or artillery shell in the air, minimizing damage and casualties on the ground.
Key Features and Capabilities
- Selective Engagement: One of the unique features of the Iron Dome is its ability to calculate the trajectories of incoming threats in real-time. This allows it to determine whether a projectile is headed for a populated area or will land in an uninhabited zone. The system engages only those targets that pose a risk, which conserves interceptors and reduces operational costs.
- High Success Rate: The Iron Dome boasts a very high interception success rate, reportedly intercepting over 90% of projectiles that pose a threat to populated areas. This effectiveness is crucial given the dense civilian populations in many areas of Israel.
- Rapid Deployment: The system is mobile and can be deployed rapidly to various locations as needed. Its flexibility allows the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) to adjust defences as threats evolve.
- Multi-Threat Defense: While primarily designed to counter rockets and artillery, the Iron Dome has also been adapted to intercept aircraft, drones, and other aerial threats.
Operational Use
The Iron Dome has been operational since 2011 and has been used extensively to protect Israeli civilian areas from rocket fire from the Gaza Strip.
- During periods of intense conflict, such as the Gaza War in 2014 and more recent escalations in 2021, the system has intercepted thousands of incoming threats, significantly reducing casualties and property damage.
A naval version of the Iron Dome to protect ships and sea-based assets was deployed in 2017.
- The system quickly determines whether a rocket is on course to hit a populated area; if not, the rocket is ignored and allowed to land harmlessly.
Israel is also developing the Iron Beam to intercept incoming threats with laser technology. It is yet to be fully operational.
Criticisms
- Cost: The cost of intercepting a rocket is considerably higher than the cost of rockets it intercepts. Each Tamir interceptor missile costs approximately $40,000 to $50,000.
- Psychological Impact: While the system reduces physical harm, the psychological impact on populations within rocket range remains significant.
- Not Foolproof: Despite its high success rate, the system is not 100% effective. The volume of rocket fire can overwhelm it, and some projectiles do get through their defences.
Why in the news?
Iran-Israel tensions: Israel used a multi-layered defence shield to block Iran’s mass drone and missile attack on Israeli territory overnight. Its defensive array includes short-range Iron Dome and long-range Arrow-2 and Arrow-3 missiles.
- The Israeli Defence Force (IDF) said the Iranian attack was thwarted and only a few missiles landed in its territory, causing minimal damage to an airbase in southern Israel and injuring a child.
- Iran had launched the attack in retaliation to an Israeli strike on its consulate in Damascus, Syria, earlier this month, killing several Iranian military commanders.
- The IDF added that the Israeli air defence system intercepted 99 per cent of the incoming projectiles from Iran.
- The United States, the United Kingdom, France and other Middle Eastern allies also helped defend Israel.
Conclusion
Israel continues to invest in improving the Iron Dome, including enhancing its capabilities against a wider array of threats and integrating it with other missile defence systems such as Davidโs Sling and the Arrow system.
International interest in the Iron Dome has also grown, with several countries considering adopting the system or components of it for their own defence needs.
The Iron Dome remains a critical element of Israel’s national defence strategy and a significant technological achievement in the realm of missile defence systems.
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-Article by Swathi Satish
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