Israel-Palestine War: What Is Iron Dome, Which Continues To Protect Israelis As Conflict With Hamas Deepens?

Israel is currently under the biggest attack from Palestinian outfits in years and is relying on the renowned Iron Dome missile defence system to protect its citizens from the barrage of rockets being launched from the Gaza Strip. Israeli defence technology giant Rafael Advanced Defense Systems developed the artillery interception system in collaboration with Israel Aerospace Industries in just 2.5 years.

A senior Hamas military commander claimed that at least 5,000 rockets were launched toward Israel in the run-up to the latest outbreak of fighting between Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) and Hamas. The rudimentary technology available to Hamas does not allow the group to launch targeted missile attacks, hence, it needs to resort to indiscriminate firing of munition at population centers to ensure maximum damage.

However, since the integration of the Iron Dome into Israel's arsenal of air defence measures, the country has significantly reduced potential damage to life and property.

What Is Iron Dome?

The Iron Dome is an air defence system that is capable intercepts short-range surface-to-surface rockets and artillery shells. Developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems in collaboration with Israel Aerospace Industries, the all-weather mobile projectile interceptor can shoot down short-range rockets and artillery shells fired from distances of 4 km to 70 km.

Development Of Iron Dome

The Iron Dome has been operated by the Israeli Air Force since 2011. Its first operational interception came just days after on April 7, 2011.

Success Rate Of Iron Dome

On 10 March 2012, The Jerusalem Post in a report said that the Iron Dome shot down 90% of rockets aimed at Israeli territories launched from Gaza.

How Iron Dome Is Integrated In Israel's

Israel is protected by a multi-layered defence array, which includes the Arrow-2, Arrow-3, David's Sling, and Iron Dome active defence systems. The missile defence systems function as part of a bigger system to ensure Israel's protection against various airborne threats.

Iron Dome: Intercepts short-range surface-to-surface rockets (bottom layer)

David's Sling: Intercepts short to medium and medium-to-long-range surface-to-surface missiles (middle layer)

Arrow-2: Intercepts medium to long-range missiles (upper layer)

Arrow-3: Intercepts long-range missiles (upper layer)

US Contribution To Iron Dome's Development

Between 2011 and 2021, the United States spent a total of USD 1.6 billion on developing the Iron Dome defense system. "The United States was a partner in the development of the Iron Dome system, and continues to develop the system with Israel today," Israel's Ministry of Defence says.

In 2022, the US Congress approved additional funds worth USD 1 billion to further develop Iron Dome.