The Iron Dome air defense system works on the principle of destroying air attack elements such as rockets and missiles before they land on the ground.
As you know, on October 7, 2023, Hamas launched an attack on Israel. This was characterized as the most comprehensive attack by the Palestinian side in recent years. Subsequently, the Israeli army declared a “state of war” and launched retaliatory airstrikes on Gaza. Israel became the target of various protests around the world due to the attacks that killed thousands of civilians. On the other hand, Israel was recently targeted by Iranian missiles. The Iranian attack, which has put the whole world on alert, has once again brought Israel’s famous air defense system called Iron Dome to the agenda. So, what is the Iron Dome, which is described as one of the most important elements of the Israeli defense system, what does it do, how does it work? Let’s look at the details together.
What is the Iron Dome?
Iron Dome is Israel’s most famous air defense system. The other defense system developed to prevent possible air strikes against Israel is called the David Sling. However, Iron Dome is much more popular than the David Saber. This is because it is on the agenda of the world public opinion at various times and occupies a much more important place in the overall defense system. Of course, there are certain reasons for this.
Iron Dome air defense system developed in 2006
On that date, thousands of rockets were fired from Lebanon into northern Israel, killing 44 people. This was one of the main reasons for Israel to take action to develop a new air defense system.
Israel’s largest defense technology company Rafael and the state-owned Aerospace Industries Corporation are behind the air defense system
This remarkable air defense system was developed jointly by the two institutions. However, it is known that the United States supports Israel’s air defense program and that some parts of the Iron Dome are manufactured in the United States. The system is manufactured at a facility in northern Israel.
Iron Dome basically works on the principle of destroying rockets, missiles and mortars fired at Israel from the air.
The system was first used in 2011
Rafael describes Iron Dome as “the world’s only multi-purpose system with proven effectiveness in a combat environment”
The Iron Dome is a mobile defense system that can operate in all weather conditions, both day and night
70 kilometers away, it is used against short-range attacks such as rockets, missiles and mortars.
Rafael, one of the developers of the Iron Dome air defense system, says the system has a 90 percent success rate
The cost of each of the defense missiles used in the system ranges from $20,000 to $100,000
How does the Iron Dome work?
The air defense system consists of three basic elements: radar, control-command unit and missile launcher.
Initially, the radar system detects rockets and other attack elements sent to Israel. Then, with an advanced software technology, the route of these elements and the point where they will fall are calculated. Then, based on this information, it launches missiles from the nearest unit to neutralize the target. The defense missiles can be fired from mobile units or fixed points, and thus the incoming rocket can be destroyed in the air.
The system is Israel’s most critical defense tool, especially against Palestinian air strikes. Iron Dome is said to be of great importance for the continuation of normal life and security in southern Israel. On the other hand, some experts say that thanks to the Iron Dome, Israel has managed to reduce the threat of attacks against it.
Which countries have Iron Dome?
Azerbaijan is one of the countries that purchased the Iron Dome air defense system from Israel. It is also known that India signed an agreement with Israel to purchase this air defense system in 2017 and Romania in 2018.
