We all are aware of the recent conflict between Israel and Palestine in which both sides have taken it to airstrikes and rocket attacks. The videos on social media are rapidly going viral.

In which rockets fired from Gaza being intercepted by the Israeli Iron Dome air defense system. Furthermore, it was observed that the rockets were hitting an invisible shield. 

You must be curious about the thing which seemed to be like magic. I am here with a solution to your curiosity. 

Here is all about the IRON DOME MISSILE DEFENSE SYSTEM of Israel.

About the Iron Dome missile system 

It is a short-range, ground-to-air defense system that includes radar and interceptor missiles that track and neutralize any rocket or missile aimed at Israeli target.

The system is designed to intercept and destroy short-range rockets. It’s artillery shells fired from distances of 4 kilometers to 70 kilometers away. Whose trajectory would take them to an Israeli populated area. 

The development of the Iron Dome goes back to the Israeli-Lebanon war when Hezbollah fired thousands of rockets into Israel. Then, it was developed by Israel Aerospace Industries and Rafael Advanced Defence Systems.

Between 2000 and 2008, more than 4000 mortars and 4000 rockets were fired from Gaza into southern Israel. As the range of the Qassam rocket has been expanded due to the introduction of 122mm Grad launchers, nearly one million southern Israelis came within the range.

To counter the rocket threats, the Israel Defence Ministry decided in 2007 to develop a mobile air defense system.

The missile defense system was successfully tested in March 2009. The testing was carried out without physically intercepting a missile or rocket. However, in July 2009, during a defense ministry test, the system successfully intercepted several rockets.

How does it work??

The Iron Dome defense system has three main systems that work together. It provide a shield over the area where it is deployed, which handles multiple threats. It has detection and tracking radar to spot the incoming threat, battle management and weapon control system (BMC), and a missile-firing unit. The BMC lies between the radar and the interceptor missile.

It has several features for high maneuverability and is equipped with electro-optic sensors. The missile system has day-and-night and all-weather capability, quick reaction time, and salvo interception capability. It can also adapt to rapidly evolving threats and handle multiple threats at the same time.

Other features of the Iron Dome include:

A vertical launch interceptor.

Warhead and proximity fuse.

  • Mobile launcher.
  • Compatibility with various radar and detection systems.

The system’s special warhead allows it to detonate any target in the air.

After detecting and identifying the rocket, Iron Dome radar monitors its path. Based on the radar’s information, the system’s BMC analyses the path of the threat and calculates an anticipated point of impact.

If the calculated path of the incoming rocket poses a real threat, a command is run to launch an interceptor against the threat. The incoming rocket is detonated over a neutral area.

Funding the system 

The initial funding and development of the Iron Dome system were provided and undertaken by Israel. This was for the deployment of the first two Iron Dome systems. Subsequently, funding for an additional eight Iron Dome systems and funding for a supply of interception missiles is now being provided by the United States. Of which two of these different systems having been delivered by 2012. 

In November 2012, Israel installed the fifth Iron Dome battery at Gush Dan in response to the rocket attacks on the Tel Aviv area. The Iron Dome air defense system is being used to intercept and shoot down hundreds of rockets from Gaza as the latest escalations between Israel and Palestine in May 2021 reached the region. 

Further tests 

The Iron Dome defense system has been upgraded to simultaneously shoot down multiple threats such as rockets, uncrewed aerial vehicles, and missile salvoes. The technological upgrade was tested in a series of three tests, of which the latest test was performed in southern Israel in March 2021. 

The Iron Dome successfully intercepted and destroyed targets that simulated existing and emerging threats. Rafael and the Israeli Ministry of Defence will deliver the upgraded version to the IAF and the Israeli Navy for operational use.

Israel also performed a series of live-fire drills of a multi-layered air defense system using the Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow weapon systems in December 2020.

International interest

The new short-range missile defense system helps in protecting the forces positioned in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Romania’s Romero partnered with Rafael for cooperation in producing the Iron Dome system in Romania in May 2018.

In August 2019, the US Army signed a deal to purchase two Iron Dome systems. The delivery of the second battery to the US was completed in January 2021.

Azerbaijan and India had also signed deals for the purchase of the missile system. The Israeli Government is in talks with several European countries to explore the potential sale of the system.

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