What is Iron Dome & how does it work? All about Israel's powerful 'rocket-killer' system

The Iron Dome is an advanced air defence system developed to protect Israel from incoming short-range threats, such as rockets and artillery shells

In the wake of Iran's offensive on October 1, Israel's advanced Iron Dome missile defense system was activated once more, successfully intercepting the hypersonic ballistic missiles launched by Iran.

This comes close on the heels of a previous interception on September 23, when the Iron Dome effectively intercepted the majority of rockets fired by Hezbollah. This occurred just hours after the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) carried out airstrikes targeting the hideouts of the Iran-backed militant group in Lebanon.

Will Israel retaliate to Iran's attack? Catch live updates here.

Here's all you need to know about Israel's Iron Dome system and its key functions:

Israel's Iron Dome: Origin

The Iron Dome is an advanced air defence system developed to protect Israel from incoming short-range threats, such as rockets and artillery shells. Its ability to function in all weather conditions makes it a vital part of Israel's defence strategy. The system creates protective airspace over Israeli towns and settlements by identifying and targeting incoming projectiles deemed to be threats for interception.

Specifically designed to intercept low-tech rockets fired by the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas in Gaza, the Iron Dome was developed by Rafael Advanced Defence Systems with US support and became operational in 2011. Each truck-mounted unit employs radar-guided missiles to engage short-range threats, including rockets, mortars, and drones.

Key Functions of Iron Dome

The Iron Dome employs a sophisticated radar system to track incoming rockets, distinguishing between those likely to strike populated areas and those that are not. Interceptor missiles are only launched at rockets projected to cause damage, minimising unnecessary interceptions.

Each Iron Dome battery is equipped with three to four launchers, capable of firing 20 interceptor missiles. The system consists of both fixed and mobile units, enabling strategic deployment throughout Israel. Rockets that do not pose a threat are allowed to land in uninhabited areas, while those identified as dangerous trigger the missile firing unit to launch interceptors. Each launcher contains 20 interceptor missiles to effectively neutralise potential threats.

The Iron Dome is part of a broader multi-layered air defense strategy that includes:

Arrow: Designed to intercept long-range ballistic missiles.
David's Sling: Targets medium-range missiles, particularly those from Hezbollah.
Patriot: An older system used for intercepting aircraft and drones, previously employed during the Gulf War.Iron Beam: Israel is currently developing Iron Beam, a new system using laser technology for intercepting threats, which is expected to reduce operational costs. However, it is not yet operational.

The Iron Dome was developed in response to the 2006 conflict with Hezbollah, during which thousands of rockets were fired into Israel, resulting in significant damage and loss of life. Following this large-scale offensive, Israel committed to creating a robust missile defence shield, leading to the development of the Iron Dome by Rafael Advanced Defence Systems and Israel Aerospace Industries, backed by the US, at an approximate cost of $210 million.

Operational since 2011, the Iron Dome achieved its first successful interception of a rocket from Gaza on April 7, 2011. Since its deployment, it has intercepted over 5,000 rockets with an impressive success rate of over 90 percent.

Challenges

Despite its high success rate, the Iron Dome faced significant challenges during the October 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas, which launched over 5,000 rockets in a matter of minutes. Although the system intercepted many missiles, some were able to bypass defences, resulting in casualties and prompting Israel to declare war on Hamas.

The Iron Dome serves as a crucial component of the US-Israeli alliance, a commitment upheld by both Democratic and Republican administrations over the years. In August 2019, the US Army signed a contract to acquire two Iron Dome batteries, bolstering its short-range missile defense capabilities.

Additionally, Israel has developed long-range interceptors, Arrow 2 and Arrow 3, specifically to counter the threat posed by Iranian missiles. These systems are designed to engage threats both within and outside the atmosphere, operating at altitudes that ensure the safe dispersal of any non-conventional warheads. The main contractor for these systems is Israel Aerospace Industries, while Boeing Co. plays a role in producing the interceptors.

In response to Iran's recent missile attack, Israel has vowed to retaliate, stating that it will respond at the "time and place of its choosing". Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the missile attack as a failure for Iran, asserting that the country would soon learn a painful lesson, similar to what its adversaries in Gaza, Lebanon, and elsewhere have experienced. “Whoever attacks us, we attack them,” he declared.

Following this, Iran has warned that it would execute “crushing attacks” against Israel should it choose to retaliate.