:quality(85)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/infobae/N7CZTVYVIAROAZ2WST3VCNANOM.jpg "Israel’s Iron Dome: this is how the technology behind the advanced air defense system works")
The Iron Dome: Israel’s Revolutionary Defense System
In the realm of defense technology, one system stands out for its effectiveness and reliability – Israel’s Iron Dome. Developed by the company Rafael Advanced Defense System LTD, this anti-missile defense system has been instrumental in protecting Israel from threats such as rockets launched from the Gaza Strip.
The Iron Dome has a range of approximately 70 km and relies on a sophisticated radar system, battle analysis, and control unit to determine if an incoming rocket poses a threat. When a threat is detected, a Tamir missile interceptor is fired to neutralize it before it reaches a populated area or important infrastructure.
The success of the Iron Dome lies in its advanced technology, which combines radar, interceptor missiles, and cutting-edge command and control systems. The system is equipped with mobile launcher batteries containing interceptor missiles, supported by a command and control system that coordinates detection, tracking, and launch operations in real-time.
Despite its high effectiveness, the Iron Dome comes with a significant cost. In response, Israel has been working on an alternative – the Iron Beam. This revolutionary laser beam weapon has an estimated power of 100-150 kW, capable of destroying drones, missiles, and mortars within seconds.
The Iron Dome has its roots in the 2006 conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, where thousands of rockets were launched, prompting the development of this innovative defense system. The United States has been a major contributor to the Iron Dome’s funding, with investments totaling $1.6 billion between 2011 and 2021.
Overall, the Iron Dome remains a crucial component of Israel’s defense strategy, providing a reliable shield against incoming threats and ensuring the safety of its population.