War in Ukraine: How does the Iron Dome, the Israeli supership that Zelensky wants, work

“Everyone knows that your missile defense systems are the best; and that you can certainly help our people, save the lives of Ukrainians, Ukrainian Jews,” he said. The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, during a video conference in front of the Knesset deputies of the Israeli parliament. Zelensky questions Israel’s reluctance to sell missile defense system Iron Dome in Ukraine.

“We can ask why we can not take weapons from you, why Israel has not imposed strong sanctions on Russia or is not putting pressure on Russian companies. In any case, the choice is yours, brothers and sisters, and then you have to live with your answer, “said the President of Ukraine.

Iron Dome, the “iron dome” that protects Israel

The Iron Dome is a very effective missile system that has been protecting Israel in recent years. It consists of a radar unit and a control center that can detect nearby missiles, such as missiles after launch, and calculate their orbit and target. And all this in seconds.

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. 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 about a year ago that the “iron dome” had intercepted more than 2,400 rockets in the last ten years. The arms 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 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.

Source: News Beast

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