Israel's Air Defense Systems: How Strong Are They?

tel aviv - With the massive rocket attack launched by Iran on Israel, Israelis are once again hoping for the effectiveness of their renowned air defense systems. Let's take a closer look at what these defense systems consist of.

The Iron Dome system has been praised for its effectiveness in intercepting rockets fired by Hamas during the war in Gaza. It has proven to be successful in shooting down a significant number of rockets, especially when aimed at densely populated areas. The system prioritizes threats based on the radar's assessment, conserving capacity by ignoring rockets heading towards open areas.

Although the Iron Dome has its limitations, with around ten batteries available to neutralize hostile missiles, Israel is developing the Iron Beam as a cost-effective alternative. The Iron Beam uses laser technology and is not constrained by ammunition supply, expected to be operational by late 2025.

Another defense system in use by the Israeli military is the Arrow 3, considered the pinnacle of Israel's multi-layered air defense. It has successfully intercepted ballistic missiles, showcasing its capability to defend against high-altitude threats. Developed with significant funding from the United States, the Arrow 3 has garnered international interest, with countries like Germany investing billions in acquiring the system.

The 'David's Sling' system intercepted a ballistic missile launched by Hezbollah towards Tel Aviv, drawing parallels to the biblical story of David and Goliath. Designed to intercept short to medium-range missiles, the system supplements Israel's air defense arsenal, working alongside other systems like the Arrow 3.