Israel operates a multi-layered air defense system that can intercept a variety of threats, from ballistic missiles that fly beyond the atmosphere to low-altitude cruise missiles and rockets.
Israel’s Iron Dome system has received a lot of attention since the country launched a military campaign in Gaza in response to the October 7, 2023 attack by the armed group Hamas.
According to the Missile Defense Organization (IMDO – Israel), Iron Dome is located at the bottom layer of the Israeli air defense system.
There are at least 10 Iron Dome batteries in Israel, each equipped with radar that detects missiles, which then uses a command and control system to quickly calculate whether an incoming target is a security threat or not. If correct, Iron Dome will launch missiles from the ground to destroy this threat in the air.
Iron Dome is an important part of Israel’s multi-layered air defense system. Photo: Reuters
The next layer in Israel’s air defense system is David’s Sling, designed to deal with low- and medium-range threats, IMDO shared with CNN.
David’s Sling, a joint project between Israel and the US, can destroy targets at a distance of up to 300 km.
On David’s Sling are the Arrow 2 and Arrow 3 systems developed jointly by Israel and the United States.
Arrow 2 uses fragmentation warheads to destroy ballistic missiles in their final flight stages in the upper atmosphere, the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS – USA) said.
Arrow 2 can intercept targets at a maximum distance and altitude of 90 km and 51 km respectively. This is considered an upgraded version of the Patriot complex (USA) once used by Israel for this role.
Arrow 3 is designed to intercept ballistic missiles in space, before they re-enter the atmosphere to reach their targets.
The Arrow 3 missile defense system is designed to intercept ballistic missiles in the atmosphere. Photo: Reuters
Israel also uses state-of-the-art fighter jets, including the F-35I stealth aircraft that the country has deployed to shoot down unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and cruise missiles.
In Iran’s attack on April 13, ballistic missiles bypassed Israel’s multi-layered air defense system and flew to Netavim Air Base, causing minor damage and not affecting the base’s operations. , an Israeli military spokesman announced.
About 170 UAVs, more than 30 cruise missiles and more than 120 ballistic missiles were launched by Iran toward Israel. “99%” of these were shot down by Israel and its allies before entering Israeli territory, more than 1,770 km from the launch point.
Only a “few” ballistic missiles reached Israel, while all cruise missiles and UAVs were shot down before entering the country, Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) spokesman Daniel Hagari confirmed. determined.
David’s Sling, a joint project between Israel and the US, can destroy targets at a distance of up to 300 km. Photo: Reuters