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| Iron Dome |
Militarymedia.net | The Iron Dome missile defense system owned by Israel has been in service for over a decade. How advanced is this technology?
The Collaboration Behind Iron Dome
The Iron Dome system was built through a collaboration between an American defense company and the Israeli defense contractor Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, as outlined by Science Howstuffworks.
Iron Dome's Multi-Mission Launcher
Iron Dome is a sophisticated system designed to detect, assess, and intercept various short-range threats, including rockets, artillery, and mortars. It is effective day and night and in all weather conditions, including low clouds, rain, storms, dust, and fog, as noted by Raytheon.
A Multi-Mission Launcher
It's the first multi-mission launcher of its kind, designed to fire a variety of interceptor missiles. Iron Dome comprises three main components:
- Advanced Radar: This radar system detects incoming threats.
- Control System: Developed by Israel's mPrest, the control system analyzes threats instantly.
- Firing Unit: This mobile unit can hold up to 20 Tamir rockets to intercept incoming threats. Israel reportedly has several of these mobile units, with a range of approximately 155 kilometers each, and they are valued at $10 million per unit.
Swift Discrimination Between Threats
Iron Dome's effectiveness lies in its ability to rapidly distinguish between threat situations, such as rockets aimed at cities, military bases, or troops, and non-threatening situations, like flocks of birds or rockets passing harmlessly.
Tailored Intercept with Tamir Rockets
When a threat is identified, Iron Dome launches customized Tamir interceptor rockets. Raytheon claims that Iron Dome is designed to detect threats from distances of 4 to 70 kilometers.
Command and Control Excellence
Ian Williams from the International Security Program at the Center for Strategic & International Studies in Washington commends the command and control aspect of Iron Dome.
The most impressive aspect of this system can be said to be its command and control," he remarks.
These rockets move very quickly. The time from launch to impact is very short, ranging from minutes to seconds. Moreover, it's not just one or two rockets but 10, 20, 30, or more.
With its ability to swiftly respond to threats and adapt to various scenarios, the Iron Dome missile defense system has proven to be a critical asset in Israel's defense strategy for over a decade.
