Iran launches retaliatory strikes: this is Israel’s ‘Iron Dome’ defense system
Rolled out in 2011, the defense system is capable of intercepting missiles launched from 70 kilometers away and has a hit rate close to 90%.
Israel uses a mobile anti‑missile defense system to counter rocket attacks launched by the Palestinian group Hamas. Known as the Iron Dome, the system was developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. It is designed to intercept and destroy rockets fired from distances between roughly 4 and 70 kilometers.
The Iron Dome was first deployed in March 2011 near Beersheba, a city located more than 100 kilometers from Tel Aviv. Its first successful interception came a month later, in April, when it shot down a Grad rocket fired from the Gaza Strip. By November 2011, Israel had intercepted more than 400 rockets.
Intercepts targets at 10,000 meters
The system is capable of intercepting airborne targets at altitudes of up to 10,000 meters, making it one of the most advanced operational missile‑defense shields in the world. One of its most standout features is its exceptional effectiveness: thanks to its rapid response time, it boasts a success rate of about 90%.
It is, however, a costly defense platform - something military analysts have frequently criticized the Israeli government for. Manufacturing and launching a single Tamir interceptor missile costs between $35,000 and $50,000, while a Qassam rocket, commonly used by Palestinian militants, costs around $800.
Iran responds to Israeli, U.S. strikes
In recent hours, Israel and the United States have jointly struck several locations in Iran, including the capital, Tehran. The Netanyahu government has characterized the operation as an effort to “eliminate” Iranian threats. At the same time, U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed Washington’s direct involvement in the offensive.
“The United States military is undertaking a massive and ongoing operation, to prevent this very wicked, radical dictatorship from threatening America and our core national security interests,” Trump told a video address early on Saturday. “We’re going to destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground.
Israel and the U.S.’s strikes have not gone unanswered. Iran has launched several retaliatory attacks, targeting both Israel and multiple U.S. bases across the region.
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