On October 1st, Iran fired around 180 missiles at Israel as alarms blared across the country and civilians scoured for shelter. Iran said the assault was in in response to Israel’s “aggressive acts”, including the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Iran will “pay” for its actions. By early Wednesday, there is still not enough clarity on the extent of damage the Iranian missile inflicted on Israel. Much of the discussion has been focused on Israel’s air defence system — the so-called Iron Dome.
Israel’s Iron Dome is believed to have intercepted most incoming missile attacks, meeting them midair before they could explode on Israeli territory.
Here’s all you know about Israel’s air-defence system:
Israel’s Iron Dome System
An Israeli defense system which detects an incoming rocket, determines its path, and intercepts it. Israeli defense technology company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems developed the system, with the U.S. backing the project through a $200 million grant. It was developed to detect and deflect rocket attacks during the war with Hezbollah in 2006. It became operational in 2011.
How does it work?
The Iron Dome is equipped with a radar which automatically detects an incoming projectile, its speed and its direction. The system can calculate if the projectile poses a threat to Israeli population. The projectiles that do not pose a threat are allowed to land in empty fields. If they pose a threat, the missile-firing unit launches missiles to shoot them down. The launcher contains 20 interceptor missiles.
How effective is the Iron Dome?
Authorities in Israel claim this defense system is 90 percent effective while the U.S. validates this assessment. The Iron Dome was reportedly overwhelmed last year in October when Hamas fired thousands of rockets in one day.
Who else has such an Iron Dome?
Rafael Advanced Defense Systems says it delivered two Iron Dome batteries to the U.S. Army in 2020. Reports say that Ukraine is also hoping to adopt a similar system in its war with Russia.
