Israel's Iron Dome: A Proven Missile Defense System
Iron Dome: A History of Success
Kippat Barzel, or Iron Dome, is an Israeli mobile all-weather air defense system developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. It was developed after the 2006 conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, a militant group based in southern Lebanon. Iron Dome was created to cope with mortars and rockets shot into Israel at relatively close range by militants in Gaza and by anti-Israeli forces in southern Lebanon. Iron Dome is a short-range mobile air defense system developed for Israel by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Israel Aerospace Industries. The Iron Dome is designed to shoot down incoming projectiles. It is equipped with a radar that detects rockets and then uses a command and control system to calculate the trajectory of the projectile and launch an interceptor missile to destroy it.
How Iron Dome Works
The Iron Dome is a radar-guided tool that allows Israel to pinpoint and intercept missiles headed for its civilian areas, which enables ordinary life to continue even under rocket fire. The system has been credited with saving countless lives and preventing significant damage to property. In 2014, during the Gaza War, Iron Dome intercepted over 90% of the rockets fired at Israel from Gaza.
Iron Dome's Effectiveness
Iron Dome's effectiveness has been praised by experts around the world. In 2012, the US Department of Defense described Iron Dome as "the most effective air defense system in the world." Iron Dome has also been credited with helping to deter Hamas from firing rockets at Israel. In 2015, a study by the RAND Corporation found that Iron Dome had a "significant deterrent effect" on Hamas's rocket fire.
Iron Dome's Future
Iron Dome is constantly being upgraded and improved. In 2016, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems announced that it was developing a new version of Iron Dome that would be able to intercept rockets and drones at a longer range. Iron Dome is a vital part of Israel's defense system, and it is likely to continue to play a key role in protecting Israel from rocket attacks for many years to come.
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