Key Points – Israel possesses a sophisticated, multi-layered missile defense system that is essential to its national security, a capability demonstrated by its claim of intercepting over 100 Iranian drones launched in retaliation for Israeli airstrikes on June 13th.
-This layered defense includes the famed Iron Dome for short-range rockets, David’s Sling for medium-to-long-range threats, and the Arrow system (Arrow 2 and Arrow 3) for intercepting ballistic missiles, including in space.
-Newer systems like the Iron Beam laser and the naval C-Dome provide cost-effective and versatile protection, creating a comprehensive shield designed to counter the diverse aerial threats Israel faces.
Iron Dome, David’s Sling & Arrow: A Deep Dive into Israel’s Missile Shield
Israel claims it intercepted all of the 100-plus drones launched by Iran after Israel hit Tehran’s military command and top nuclear scientists and facilities overnight on Friday.
Israel boasts a sophisticated, multi-layered missile defense system designed to counter various aerial threats, from short-range rockets to long-range ballistic missiles. These systems are essential for Israel’s security, particularly given the threats posed by groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthi rebels, who are proxies of Iran.
Israel has several different components of its missile defense system.
Iron Dome
The most well-known system intercepts and destroys short-range rockets and artillery shells within a range of 4 to 70 kilometers (2.5 to 43 miles). It is primarily used to protect populated areas.
Israel’s air defense system is multi-layered, with the Iron Dome serving as its centerpiece. The system comprises a series of truck-towed mobile units strategically located throughout the country.
When a threat is detected, military personnel analyze it at a “battle management center” manned 24 hours a day. They then decide which launcher to use to intercept. Secondary missiles are fired to ensure the threat is neutralized correctly.
Israel says it has a success rate of over 90 percent, destroying projectiles from a distance of 4 to 70 km away. Response times are measured in seconds.
David’s Sling
A medium-to-long-range system, David’s Sling intercepts missiles, aircraft, and drones at a reported range of up to 200 kilometers.
David’s Sling System forms a crucial element of Israel’s multi-tiered, layered missile defense architecture, providing mid-tier regional missile defense. David’s Sling offers terminal-phase, hit-to-kill defense against tactical ballistic missiles, medium- to long-range rockets, enemy planes, drones, and cruise missiles, including Scud missiles.
Arrow
This missile defense system includes Arrow 2 and Arrow 3.
Arrow 2: Designed to intercept short- and medium-range ballistic missiles within the Earth’s atmosphere.
Arrow 2 uses a two-stage, solid-propellant booster to reach speeds of up to Mach 9. The missile is 6.95 meters long, 0.8 meters in diameter, and weighs 1,300 kilograms.
To engage targets, it features a finned kill vehicle with an explosive-fragmentation warhead, which can focus its blast in a direction specified by the missile seeker.
If the missile fails to strike the target directly, the warhead detonates within 40–50 meters of the target. Arrow 2 features two seekers—an active-radar seeker and a US-produced imaging infrared seeker—for endgame navigation and warhead fuzing.
Arrow 3: Designed to intercept long-range ballistic missiles in space, outside the Earth’s atmosphere.
The Arrow 3 interceptor interfaces with the Arrow Weapon System, which includes a launcher, ground-based radar, and battle management system.
The Arrow 3 missile consists of a two-stage, solid-fueled booster with a separating kinetic kill vehicle (KV). Smaller than the Arrow 2, the missile fits in a 21-inch vertical launch tube and has an estimated flyout range of up to 2,400 km
Iron Beam
Iron Beam is a directed-energy weapon developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems of Israel, designed to intercept incoming aerial threats like rockets, drones, and missiles.
It utilizes a fiber laser to neutralize threats, providing a cost-effective alternative to traditional missile interception systems, such as the Iron Dome. Israel says that they’ve used Iron Beam to down drones.
C-Dome
A naval version of the Iron Dome, designed to protect ships and offshore assets.
RAFAEL developed the C-DOME Mission Module concept to provide unprotected vessels, including OPVs, auxiliary ships, and other naval support ships and assets, with advanced air defense capabilities against multiple, simultaneous attacks from a wide range of threats – without the need for deck penetration, vessel hull retrofit, cable routing, or complex platform integration. Open architecture enables compatibility with the ship’s sensors and Command and Control System (CMS).
These systems work together in a layered defense approach, providing Israel protection against a broad spectrum of missile, rocket, and drone threats at different altitudes and ranges.
Israel has one of the best missile defense systems in the world.
About the Author
Steve Balestrieri is a National Security Columnist. He served as a US Army Special Forces NCO and Warrant Officer. In addition to writing on defense, he covers the NFL for PatsFans.com and is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA). His work was regularly featured in many military publications.
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