Israel’s Multi-Layered Air Defence System
Israel’s Iron Dome is just one part of its multi-layered air defence system, designed to protect against various types of incoming threats. The system includes:
– **Iron Dome**: A short-range air defence mechanism developed with U.S. assistance, capable of intercepting surface-to-surface rockets and drones at a range of about 70 km. It uses radar technology to monitor incoming projectiles and assess whether they will impact populated areas, launching interceptors accordingly. The system boasts a success rate of around 90 percent, having been actively utilized throughout the ongoing conflict with Hamas over the past year.
– **David’s Sling**: A land-based stationary battery designed to intercept medium-range missiles, including those possessed by Hezbollah in Lebanon. It can engage ballistic missiles from distances up to 124 miles and combat aircraft, drones, and cruise missiles. Developed collaboratively by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Raytheon Co., David’s Sling was established in 2017 and achieved its first successful missile interception in May 2023 over Tel Aviv.
– **Arrow System**: The most advanced part of Israel’s air defence network, consisting of two components—Arrow 2 and Arrow 3—designed to intercept missiles traveling beyond the Earth’s atmosphere. The Arrow 3 was first tested in combat last year, intercepting a missile fired by the Iranian-supported Houthis in Yemen toward the Israeli city. The Arrow system is specifically engineered to counter the threat posed by Iranian missiles and has successfully intercepted several long-range ballistic missiles.
These systems work together to provide comprehensive protection against a variety of threats, including short-range rockets, medium-range missiles, and long-range ballistic missiles. The multi-layered approach ensures that Israel can effectively defend against multiple types of incoming attacks, as demonstrated in recent conflicts with Iran and other adversaries.
