In the field of defense technology, one of the most notable and effective developments is the Iron Dome (Iron Dome) of Israel, a missile defense system which has been instrumental in protecting this nation from threats such as rockets and short-range missiles.
It has an approximate range of 70 km and is based on a system of radar, a battle analysis and control unit to determine if an incoming rocket is a threat; while an interceptor Tamir missiles Fire only if the incoming rocket risks hitting a populated area or important infrastructure.
Interceptor projectiles, which are fired vertically from mobile units or a static launch site, are designed to detonate the incoming threat in the air.
The one also called Iron Dome was developed by the company Rafael Advanced Defense System LTDa private firm with very close ties to the Israeli armed forces, which claims that it is the most deployed anti-missile system in the world and that it is effective in more than 90% of the cases.
Iron Dome launcher fires interceptor missile at rockets fired from Gaza
Behind its success is advanced technology that combines radar, interceptor missiles and cutting-edge command and control systems. This is based on several key components:
– Advanced Radar: The system uses advanced detection and tracking radar to track the trajectory of incoming projectiles. This radar is essential to identify threats and calculate their trajectories accurately.
– Interception Units: Iron Dome is equipped with a series of mobile launcher batteries containing interceptor missiles. These missiles are designed to target and destroy airborne threats.
– Control and Command Systems: The command and control system coordinates interceptor detection, tracking and launching operations. It allows a quick and accurate response to threats.
– Decision Making Software: Iron Dome uses advanced software that makes real-time decisions about when and where to launch interceptor missiles. These decision-making systems are based on complex algorithms that evaluate multiple factors, such as the trajectory of the threat, distance to the target, and probability of impact.
– Interceptor Missiles: The system uses interceptor missiles specifically designed to destroy short-range threats. These missiles are fast and maneuverable, allowing them to target and neutralize incoming projectiles with precision.
– Communication Systems and Networks: Effective communication is essential in the operation of Iron Dome. Communication and networking systems allow real-time data transmission between detection units, launchers and the control center.
– Continuous Updates: The technology behind the Iron Dome is constantly evolving and improving. Israel has been working on improved versions and updates of the system to deal with increasingly sophisticated threats.
How the Iron Dome works
The Israeli anti-missile system, known as Iron Dome, intercepts a missile launched from Gaza over the skies of Sderot
This defense system operates in the following way:
– Detection and Monitoring: When a rocket heads toward Israel, the detection and tracking radar detects its incoming trajectory. This information is transmitted to the weapons control system.
– Precise Calculations: The weapons control system performs rapid and complex calculations to determine the trajectory, speed and intended target of the incoming rocket.
Threat Identification: Radar technology is capable of differentiating between missiles that have the potential to reach urban areas or strategic locations and those that pose no real threat.
Automatic Interception: If the incoming rocket is headed toward a populated area or strategic target, the system’s launcher automatically fires a Tamir missile.
Neutralization in Air: Interceptors are launched vertically from mobile or static units and are directed toward the incoming rocket. In the air, the interceptors detonate and destroy the rocket, thus neutralizing the threat before it reaches its target.
Construction Reason
Hamas launched more than 3,000 rockets in the first hours of the attack on October 7
The Iron Dome has its roots in the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in2006. During that conflict, the Lebanese Islamist group launched thousands of rockets, killing dozens of Israelis and causing significant damage.
In 2007the Israeli Ministry of Defense announced the development of the Dome, with initial financing of 210 million dollars. The United States has been the main economic contributor to its creation and allocated some 1.6 billion dollars between 2011 and 2021.
By the early 2010s, the Iron Dome system had already successfully passed tests carried out by the Israeli army. In April 2011, the system was tested in combat for the first time, when it shot down a missile launched against the city of Beershebain southern Israel.
Despite having a high degree of effectiveness, it involves a high cost and since 2014, the country has been working to find an alternative to Iron Dome. The result was the Iron Beama revolutionary laser beam with a power of approximately 100 y 150 kWone hundred times that used in a family home.
This weapon directed energywith an estimated range of 7 kilometers, is capable of destroying drones, missiles and mortars in just a few seconds. four seconds thanks to the high temperature it emanates.