Beyond the Iron Dome: The many layers of Israel’s air defence system

  • October 3, 2024
  • Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
  • Category: DPN Topics
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Beyond the Iron Dome: The many layers of Israel’s air defence system

Sub : Sci

Sec: Defence

Context:

  • On October 1, Iran launched a missile attack against Israel, which prompted Israel to announce retaliatory measures. While Iran claimed successful strikes, Israel reported that their advanced air defence systems intercepted many incoming missiles. This event highlighted the importance of Israel’s multi-layered missile defence strategy.

Israel’s Air Defense Systems:

  • Israel maintains a sophisticated, multi-layered air defence network designed to counter various threats, from short-range rockets to long-range ballistic missiles.
SystemFeatures
1. Iron Dome
  • Purpose: Short-range air defense system
  • Target: Rockets, artillery, mortars, aircraft, helicopters, and drones
  • Development:
    • Initiated after the 2006 Israeli-Lebanon war
    • Developed by Rafael Advanced Systems and Israel Aerospace Industries
    • Deployed in 2011
  • Features: Includes radar and interceptor missiles to track and neutralise incoming threats
2. David’s Sling
  • Purpose: Mid-range missile defense
  • Range: Intercepts missiles fired from 100-200 km away
  • Development:
    • Joint project between Rafael and RTX Corp (formerly Raytheon)
    • Became operational in 2017
  • Key Features:
    • Uses “Stunner” missile with hit-to-kill technology
    • No warhead – destroys threats through direct impact
    • 92% success rate against short-range ballistic missiles
    • Features SkyCeptor variant for additional threats
3. Arrow System
  • Purpose: Long-range missile defense
  • Capability: Can intercept missiles beyond Earth’s atmosphere
  • Developer: Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI)
  • Features:
    • Modular design
    • Tracks and destroys incoming tactical ballistic missiles
    • Arrow 3 specifically designed for newest long-range threats
    • Effective against weapons of mass destruction
4. Iron Beam
  • Purpose: Short-range defense (up to 10 km)
  • Technology: Laser-based system
  • Developer: Rafael Advanced Systems
  • Advantages:
    • Speed-of-light engagement
    • Unlimited ammunition capacity
    • Nearly zero cost per interception
    • Minimal collateral damage
    • More cost-effective than traditional missile interceptors

Source: IE

Beyond the Iron Dome: The many layers of Israel’s air defence system Science and tech