Iron Dome is one of the most intriguing systems to have been ever been developed.
It is currently the only operational interceptorsolution for countering rockets, artillery, and mortars (CRAM).
Iron Dome is capable of intercepting short-range rockets and artillery shells in all weather
condition at a range of 4 km (2.5 mi) to 70 km (43 mi).
The systems achieved international fame during the 2012 and 2014 Gaza Strip conflicts.
In this video, Defense Updates analyzes why Israel’s Iron Dome is considered is considered
one of the best in the world?
Let's get in the details.
Iron dome consists of 3 main components:
1. Detection & Tracking Radar: The radar system is built by Elta, an Israeli defense company
and subsidiary of Israel Aerospace Industries, in coordination with the IDF.
2. Battle Management & Weapon Control: The control center is built for Rafael by mPrest Systems,
an Israeli software company.
In its heart is a very complex and sophisticated algorithm.
3. Missile Firing Unit: The unit launches the Tamir interceptor missile build by Rafael.
It is just 6 inches wide and 10 feet long.
The missile is equipped with electro-optic sensors for target acquisition and has steering
fins for high maneuverability.
Each of the launchers is packed with 20 missiles.
All these components are dispersed in different locations and are connected via a secure wireless connection.
When the radar detects a projectile, the information is passed to the processing unit which uses
the algorithm that detects the type projectile and evaluates its projected path.
If the incoming projectile is heading towards a populated area or a strategic location,
then the system launches its own missile to intercept it.
The interceptor missile has an encounter zone several feet wide.
So, when it gets close enough and explodes, the ensuing blast hurls high-speed metal fragments
that penetrate the incoming projectile’s warhead making that to explode mid-air.
The system is mobile and can be set up to operate from different locations.
As per reports, each Iron Dome system is capable of protecting an urban area of approximately
150 square kilometers
5 Iron Dome systems were deployed during Israel’s 2012 Operation Pillar of Defense.
They were reported to have intercepted 421 rockets which were 85% of the rockets they engaged.
Many observers hailed the technology as “game-changer that heralds the end of rockets.”
9 Iron Dome systems participated in Israel’s 2014 Operation Protective Edge.
They intercepted a combination of 735 rocket and mortar shell which was 92% of those engaged.
But the numbers have been disputed by many weapons experts in the United States and in Israel.
Their studies based mainly on hits and misses captured on video suggest that the success
rate of Iron Dome was 40% or even lesser.
As per some reports, many intercepted rockets were not destroyed but were simple were simply
crippled or deflected and often landed intact on populated areas.
It is always hard to validate this kind of battlefield data but the recent spike in cases
of low tech attacks by militants such as stabbing and decline in large-scale rocket & mortar
attack indicates that Iron Dome indeed has taken the wind out of missile and motor attacks.
Viewers may note that Israel is also working on future multi-tiered missile defense system
that will have Iron Dome working in coordination with Arrow 2, Arrow 3, Iron Beam and David’s Sling.