TNews - In the ongoing armed conflict between Israel and Hamas, the world has witnessed the capabilities of the Iron Dome, Israel's state-of-the-art air defense system. Known for its impressive 96% success rate in intercepting enemy rocket attacks, the Iron Dome is a formidable weapon. However, in the battle against Hamas, this advanced defense system has faced challenges in dealing with large-scale rocket attacks. How powerful is the Iron Dome, and what makes it tick? Let's delve into the remarkable facts about Israel's air defense system, as reported by Reuters on Monday, October 9, 2023.
1. Iron Dome: A Joint Effort with the USA
The Iron Dome, a cornerstone of Israel's defense strategy, is based on the technology developed by the Israeli company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, with the assistance of the United States. This defense system was originally conceived to counter rocket attacks from Lebanon that targeted Israel back in 2006. Official operations began in 2011, demonstrating a fruitful collaboration between Israel and the United States.
2. Intercepting Rockets and Drones
Each Iron Dome unit is designed to intercept close-range threats, including rockets and airborne drones. Its precision and quick response time make it a formidable adversary against such threats.
3. A Global Attraction: Iron Dome Catches the World's Eye
The astounding accuracy of the Iron Dome has attracted global attention. In 2020, two Iron Dome batteries were provided to the U.S. military. Ukraine has also expressed interest in acquiring Iron Dome systems to enhance its defense capabilities. Israel, however, has clarified that its assistance to Kyiv is currently limited to humanitarian and civilian defense support.
4. Protecting Naval Assets: Iron Dome's Maritime Role
Since 2017, a variant of the Iron Dome has been deployed to safeguard military naval assets. This adaptation of the system reinforces Israel's commitment to protect its maritime interests.
5. Targeted Detection for Populated Areas
The Iron Dome is specially designed to swiftly detect rocket attacks aimed at densely populated areas. It possesses the capability to discriminate between targets and will ignore incoming threats if they do not pose a direct risk to populated areas.
6. The Cost of Israel's Detection System
Ensuring the security of Israel comes at a price. Iron Dome's detection system incurs a significant cost, ranging from thousands to millions of dollars per interception. Remarkably, the Iron Dome is in the process of developing a laser-based system to disable enemy rockets and drones, with estimated costs of approximately $2 per successful interception.
The Iron Dome has become an emblem of Israel's commitment to safeguard its population against threats from its adversaries, like Hamas. Its impressive success rate, developed through collaboration with the United States, has made it an enticing option for nations worldwide seeking to enhance their defense systems. As the conflict continues, the Iron Dome's story unfolds, revealing its critical role in the defense of Israel and its enduring impact on the global stage.