This is how Israel’s air-defense system works
The weekend’s drone and missile attack by Iran put Israel’s air defense system to the test. Most of the projectiles were intercepted by this complex system.
Iran attacked Israel over the weekend with over 300 drones and ballistic missiles, most of which Israel’s air-defense system was able to take down, with the help of the United States, the United Kingdom, and Jordan.
The country’s air defense has already been strained by attacks suffered since the war against Hamas began a few month ago. The Israeli army said 40 launches were made from Lebanese territory, some of which were intercepted, while the rest fell in open areas.
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This is how Israel’s air-defense system works
Israel has one of the highest figures when it comes to military spending per capita, at $2,503 according to World Population Review, and a large part of this amount has been allotted for this multi-layered system.
The Arrow
The newest version of the Arrow system is the Arrow 3, a long-range anti-ballistic missile system developed by Israel and the United States that works outside the atmosphere. Its first interception took place in November 2023 against a ballistic missile launched by the Houthis in Yemen.
The Arrow 3 is designed to intercept and destroy the longest-ranged threats, especially those carrying weapons of mass destruction.
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David’s Sling
David’s Sling is in charge of medium-range threats. Developed by Israel and the U.S., it was officially used by the defense forces in 2017. In May 2023, it made its first interception after stopping a rocket launched from Gaza against civilians in Israel.
Spyder mobile air defense system
According to its developer Israeli defense technology company Rafael, this mobile air defense system defends large areas, as well as maneuver forces, against a wide spectrum of threats, such as attack aircraft, helicopters, bombers, cruise missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles, and combat weapons.
Iron Dome
This anti-missile shield also developed by Rafael has been operational since 2011. It is the “most deployed missile defense system in the world, with more than 2,000 interceptions and a success rate of over 90%,” according to the company. It is capable of detecting potential threats at great distances.
Iron Beam
The Iron Beam will use concentrated energy in laser beams generated by a fiber optic system, to destroy enemy rockets and mortar shells. Unlike the shield, this system can reach missiles at a maximum height of four miles. Although the Israeli Government set its start-up for early 2024, the recent attacks from both Iran and Palestine could step up its development.