What is Israel’s Air Defense System ‘Iron Dome’?

Taking important steps on air defense systems since 2011 Israelconsidered to be the most advanced in the world today, Iron Dome It has an air defense system called. Palestine This unmanned defense system, which came to the fore again due to the war between Israel and Israel, continues to be the focus of great debates, even though it is considered quite successful today.

Because society is divided into two when it comes to seeing this system as successful. While some see this as a perfect invention because it reduces the number of casualties, others describe this system as a failure because it does not create enough trust in society. Of course, the first thing to decide on is “Iron Dome why?It is necessary to answer the question.

What exactly is this Iron Dome?

The Iron Dome covers the country and protects it from incoming attacks. as a shield you may think. Of course, contrary to popular belief, this name is not given to a single device. This name is given to the entire system provided by different devices. This system, built by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems with the support of the USA under the Obama administration, in 2011 came into play.

In total 10 units Each system has 3 to 4 launchers, 20 Tamir missiles and radar. Only one of these can track 1,000 rockets at the same time. Thanks to this development, the system between 90 and 95 percent There is a success rate. In this way, he managed to destroy thousands of rockets in the air.

So how does this system work?

Sensitive, equipped with specific features according to Israel’s location radars, constantly scanning and looking for threats. These radars, which can detect even a bullet fired into the air, can instantly detect rockets. Missiles coming through these radars where will it fall It can also be seen from the front. If it is going to fall on a settlement or similar important places, necessary calculations are made and rockets are sent. Each system can provide protection in an area of ​​75 kilometers.

If rockets fall into empty places, only one of them is more or less 100 thousand dollars There is no need to fire Tamir missiles, which are worth more. Again, it is the system itself that decides this. In other words, situations such as unannounced attacks do not matter much.

Before talking about the repair missiles in more detail, let’s talk about those sent by Palestine.

These rockets, known as Qassam missiles, are actually quite primitive. Any hitting a specific target It is not possible, because there is no guidance mechanism inside them. Besides the fact that they can be easily produced in large quantities, they often do not even explode. Even though they sometimes have explosives on their tips, they move like iron piles thrown from the air towards Israel.

Someone to decide where they will fall There is no algorithm or mechanism. Just because of the ease of launch and production; They can be fired at an angle from balconies, truck beds or other different places. Where they will fall is left to the laws of physics. So basically it’s not something to be afraid of. But since hundreds of them can be launched at the same time, it poses a big problem.

They are facing Tamir missiles. Why is this missile you see worth $100,000?

repair missiles 2.5 times the speed of sound can come out. Also, unlike the rockets from Palestine, these are smart missiles. It has features such as changing targets while in the air and tracking the object. In addition, its high maneuverability and advanced sensors enable it to adapt to conditions while in the air.

When it approaches the target, the 15-16 kilo explosive in the head of the rocket is activated and it is launched in all directions. shrapnel it jumps out. This allows the rocket to be destroyed in the air by explosion, even if it does not make direct contact. Thanks to fast rockets and advanced radar systems, the Iron Dome acts like an umbrella over Israel.

What was the situation like before this system came?

As we said Iron Dome The system emerged in 2011. But Israel’s conflicts go back much further than that. A conflict involving missiles involved the Hezbollah organization 2006 It took place in Lebanon in . During the 34-day conflict, 4,000 rockets hit Israeli territory. In this context, 53 people lost their lives.

In another conflict in 2014, after a 50-day conflict 3,360 rockets There were 2 casualties as a result of the shooting. Of course, even if there is only one loss of life, it would be a mistake to beautify the situation here. But it would equally be a mistake to say that Iron Dome was not successful.

The Iron Dome, which destroyed more than 2,500 rockets in total, still protects Israel. Since it is mobile, its location can be changed.

But the system is not perfect.

Can be produced at a cost of 800 to several thousand dollars Qassam missilesRepair missiles In the material sense may not be able to catch up. This is the biggest obstacle to the system. Therefore, when a large number of rockets are fired, it is inevitable that some places will be hit. Still, this system, deployed throughout the country, provides a high level of protection.

So why didn’t it have any effect on the rockets that arrived over the weekend?

Some officials from Israel, Pearl Harbor He said that the attack was unexpected, comparing it to the attack. But for the most part, this question remains unanswered. It was also stated that this will be discussed when the situation is under control. According to many people, the air defense system was inadequate due to the large number of rockets. But it would be a mistake to trust any of the claims until the official statement comes.

As we all know, there are no winners in wars. Before admiring it, the first thing we should consider is that such a system has to be used.

You can take a look at the content below to learn about the Israeli-Palestinian tension.

Don’t forget to take a look at our content where we explain how to access accurate information in times of crisis such as war.