Iron Dome: The “Iron Dome” That Protects Israel – How It Works and How Much It Costs

A very effective missile system, known as the Iron Dome, has been protecting Israel for the past 10 years. In fact, after the escalation of violence between Palestinians and Israelis, thousands of videos have been circulated on social networks, which show this effectiveness.

The sirens sound, dozens of rockets burst into the air in the dark night sky, and then bright flashes are heard, and explosions are heard. But the danger to the population has been averted for the time being.

On social media, the “iron dome” is considered the life insurance of Israelis, as noted by Deutsche Welle.

How does the Iron Dome missile defense system work?

It consists of a radar unit and a control center can detect nearby missiles, such as rockets after launch, and calculate their orbit and target. And all this in seconds. And so it must be, because depending on the distance from Gaza Strip, the Israelis have only 15 to 90 seconds to escape an approaching rocket and protect themselves.

The third element is rocket launchers. There are three to four missiles per system, each with a capacity for 20 rockets. A defensive missile is fired only when it is clear that the missile is aimed at a residential area. The interceptor missile does not hit the other projectile directly, but explodes near it, destroying it. However, falling debris can cause injuries and property damage.

The systems are mobile and can be relocated. Ten of them are currently used in Israel. According to the manufacturer, the Israeli state defense company Rafael Defense Systems, a single battery can protect a medium-sized city. The system can monitor missiles with a range of up to 70 km. According to experts, 13 systems would be necessary to protect the entire country. The Israel uses other systems to protect itself. The “Iron Dome” is aimed at short-range missiles.

How successful is the system?

The manufacturer declares a success rate of 90%. The head of the Israeli missile defense organization, Moshe Patel, told the AFP news agency that the “iron dome” has intercepted more than 2,400 rockets in the last ten years. Weapons company Rafael talks about many thousands of successful launches. “Any missile that was intercepted would hit a residential area, possibly causing serious damage and casualties,” the Israeli Security Forces website said.

According to the Israeli army, more than 2,000 rockets were fired at Israel in this latest escalation, 200 of which allegedly landed in the Gaza Strip. The radical Islamic Hamas seems to want to try the Iron Dome or even push it to its limits by launching rockets quickly and successively.

According to media reports, each deterrence costs about 66,000 euros. This is why only rockets that would hit a residential area should be neutralized. The United States financially supported the development of the system. Meanwhile, the US itself has bought two of Israel’s defense systems.

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