Israel’s Iron Dome: The Ultimate Defense
Israel’s Iron Dome stands as the ultimate defense against a variety of threats targeting its airspace. With a network of sophisticated systems, Israel fortifies its defenses to safeguard its population and infrastructure. The Iron Dome detects, assesses, and intercepts a variety of shorter-range attacks emanating from rockets, artillery, and mortars. It is effective day or night and in all weather conditions, including low clouds, rain, dust storms, and fog. Israel initially developed the Iron Dome alone after the 2006 Lebanon War and was later joined by the United States.
It is designed to intercept short-range rockets and artillery commonly launched from Gaza by groups like Hamas and Islamic Jihad. The system uses radar and analysis to determine if an incoming projectile poses a threat to populated areas or vital infrastructure before launching an interceptor. Israeli authorities claim a success rate of over 90%, though some analysts question this figure. According to the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies, the manufacturing cost of each Iron Dome interceptor costs between $40,000 and $50,000. Upon its initial implementation, it demonstrated efficacy against hazards hurled within a range of 4 to 70 kilometers (equivalent to 2.5 to 43 miles).
However, subsequent reports suggest that these capabilities have since been enhanced. The think tank estimated that a complete system, including the radar, computer, and three to four launchers containing up to 20 interceptors, costs around $100 million to produce. According to a recent analysis by the US Congressional Research Service, the United States has allocated close to $3 billion (€2.8 billion) towards Iron Dome defense systems, including batteries, interceptors, shared production expenses, and ongoing upkeep. Reuters disclosed on Thursday that President Biden intends to seek an additional $14 billion (€13.2 billion) in military assistance for Israel from the US Congress.
David’s Sling, operational since 2017, serves as the intermediate layer of Israel’s air defense system. It targets ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as medium- to long-range rockets, with a range of 25 to 186 miles. Developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Raytheon, it complements the Iron Dome’s capabilities.
Arrow 2 and Arrow 3 systems are part of Israel’s top-tier air defense network, intercepting missiles outside the Earth’s atmosphere. Completed in 2017, Arrow 3 saw combat testing recently by intercepting a missile launched by Houthi rebels in Yemen, supported by Iran, toward Eilat, Israel. Co-funded and developed by the United States, Arrow 3 relies on the collision’s damage without explosives, unlike Arrow 2.
On October 31, Israel’s military condemned that it had used the Arrow aerial defense system for the first time since the October 7 outbreak of the war with Hamas to intercept a surface-to-surface missile in the Red Sea fired towards its territory. The radar unit of the interceptor identifies an incoming missile or projectile targeting Israeli airspace while the control unit monitors and controls the information that the missile is transmitted to battle management and evaluates the danger coupled with charting a course for interception. Meanwhile, the firing unit is a launching apparatus that fires a projectile outfitted with radar and a unique payload that neutralizes the incoming threat.
However, the biggest test of the Israeli Defense System has just started. Previous year, Hamas militants initiated an assault by launching a barrage of rockets from the blockaded Gaza Strip toward Israel, as a surprise attack sparking renewed hostilities in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In the initial stages of the ongoing conflict in Gaza, the substantial volume of rockets fired by Hamas, estimated to range from 2,200 to over 3,000 (although Hamas claims to have launched 5,000), appeared to overwhelm Israel’s defense system. Approximately 1,200 Israelis were killed or captured in Hamas’ offensive on October 7, 2023.
Iran launched over 300 drones and missiles (according to Israel media the strike was based on 185 drones, 110 surface-to-surface missiles, and 36 Cruise missiles ) at Israel during the night, of which 99% were intercepted, marking a significant strategic success, according to the Israeli military on Sunday morning. The strike lasted five hours. “This is the largest drone attack in history,” writes CNN.
Nevertheless, in an ever-changing world, the Iron Dome serves as a beacon of hope, ensuring that the skies above remain a symbol of protection and peace. As Israel navigates a complex geopolitical landscape, the Iron Dome is a testament to the nation’s unwavering commitment to security and resilience. Each interception, not only safeguards lives but also underscores the imperative of innovation and cooperation in confronting contemporary security challenges.
The writer is a student at Economic department,Quaid-I-Azam Islamabad
amjookhan4@gmail.com
