David's Sling, iron dome and arrows: How Israel's layered missile system is countering Iran

Iran launched more than 200 ballistic missiles at Israel on Tuesday

Iran has escalated hostilities with Israel by launching around 200 missiles into Israeli territory.  This is the second major attack from Iran this year, following a similar operation in April that involved hundreds of missiles and drones.

According to Israel army officials, while the immediate threat has passed, the full extent of the damage is still being assessed. "Iran's attack is continuing. You are requested to remain in a protected space until further notice. The explosions you are hearing are from interceptions or fallen projectiles," the Israeli defence forces (IDF) said in a statement.

Here is a look at Israel’s layered missile defense system protecting the nation.

What is arrow missile defence system?

Comprising long-range Arrow-2 and Arrow-3 interceptors, this missile is designed to engage threats, both in and outside the atmosphere.  This capability is like the US military’s THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) air defense system.

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The long-range system was reportedly developed with the Iran missile threat in mind. The missile has a detachable warhead that collides with its target and neutralises potential threats before they can reach populated areas. State-owned Israel Aerospace Industries is the project’s main contractor, while Boeing is involved in producing the interceptors. On September 28, Germany signed a letter of commitment to purchase the Arrow-3 system for nearly $4.2 billion.

What is David’s Sling?

David’s Sling uses Stunner and SkyCeptor kinetic hit-to-kill interceptors to hit missiles. It has a range of 25 to 186 miles, according to the Missile Threat project at the Center for International and Strategic Studies (CSIS). Israel reportedly relies on David's Sling for mid-range threats. Developed and manufactured jointly by Israel’s state-owned Rafael Advanced Defence Systems and the US RTX Corp, formerly known as Raytheon, David’s Sling is also designed to intercept aircraft, drones and cruise missiles.

Iron Dome

Developed by Israel with US backing, this system specialises in shooting down short-range rockets. It has intercepted thousands of rockets since it was activated early last decade including thousands of interceptions during the current war against Hamas and Hezbollah. Israel says it has a success rate of over 90 per cent.  The system determines whether a rocket is on course to hit a populated area; if not, the rocket is ignored and allowed to land harmlessly.

What is a laser-based system?

Israel’s interception systems cost between tens of thousands and millions of dollars to shoot down incoming threats. Israel is developing a laser-based system to neutralise enemy rockets and drones at an estimated cost of just $2 per interception, according to Reuters.

Israel is advancing a laser-based interception technology, projected to cost approximately $2 per interception. This development could revolutionize aerial defense by significantly lowering costs while maintaining effectiveness against enemy rockets and drones.

Why did Iran attack Israel?

Iran’s attack was a retaliatory response to the alleged killing of key Iranian and Hezbollah commanders by Israel. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) mentioned the deaths of Hezbollah’s Hassan Nasrallah, IRGC commander Abbas Nilforoshan, and Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, for which Israel is widely believed to be responsible.