As part of the special American aid package to support Israel, an order signed by the Israeli Ministry of Defense that will allow the significanct acceleration of the production of the “_Iron Dome_” system or “Iron Dome” has been set in motion.
The American aid package, valued at 8.7 billion dollars and approved by the United States Congress in April 2024, includes specific financing of 5.2 billion dollars to reinforce the air defense systems of the State of Israel, the Iron Dome, David’s Sling and the Iron Beam. The latter is the first High Energy Laser (HEL) system of 100 kW for anti-drone defense.
The Iron Dome, developed in Israel and produced in collaboration with the US government, is designed to protect against short and medium range missile threats, as well as drone threats.
The Recent War Experience of the System
During the recent conflict, the Iron Dome was repeatedly in action, demonstrating its capabilities, with exceptional interception rates and significant protection of the Israeli home front from missile, drone and cruise missile attacks.
The recent conflict exposed the need to adapt the Iron Dome system to the threats posed by new weapon systems that have widely spread on battlefields, such as drones, cruise missiles and long-range rockets. For this purpose, the system now incorporates cutting edge technology related to the electronic component and artificial intelligence algorithms, allowing the Tamir effectors to deal with threats for which it was not designed.
The Iron Dome is considered one of the most advanced air defense systems in the world.
The Cooperation between Israel and the United States
Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. (Rafael ADS) is the leading developer of the Iron Dome system, in collaboration with the Elta division of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), the American company Raytheon (RTX Corporation) and the company Amprest.
The US Missile Defense Agency (MDA) is a key partner in the development and production of multi-layer Israeli systems, including David’s Sling and Arrow, and in the manufacture of Iron Dome system components.
The strategic cooperation between the US Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and the ‘Wall’ Department of the Ministry of Defense of Israel’s Air Defense Command contributes to ensuring the technological advantage of the State of Israel in the field of air defense with innovative and operationally tested systems.
Source and photo credit @Israeli Ministry of Defense
