Over the decades, Israel has developed a sophisticated system capable of detecting incoming fire and deploying only if the projectile is headed towards a population centre or sensitive military infrastructure.
Here’s a closer look at Israel’s multi-layered air-defence system:
The Arrow
- This system developed with the United States is designed to intercept long-range missiles, including the types of ballistic missiles Iran launched on Tuesday. The Arrow, which operates outside the atmosphere, has also been used in the current war to intercept long-range missiles launched by the Houthis in Yemen.
David’s Sling
- Also developed with the US, David’s Sling is meant to intercept medium-range missiles such as those possessed by Hezbollah in Lebanon. It has been deployed on multiple occasions throughout the war.
Iron Dome
- This system, developed by Israel with US backing, specialises in shooting down short-range rockets. It has intercepted thousands since it was activated early last decade. Israel says it has a success rate of about 90 percent.
Iron Beam
- Israel is developing a new system to intercept incoming threats with laser technology. Israel says this will be a game-changer because it’s much cheaper to operate than existing systems. According to Israeli media reports, the cost of a single Iron Dome interception is about $50,000, while the other systems can run more than $2m per missile. Iron Beam interceptions, by contrast, would cost a few dollars apiece, but the system is not yet operational.