What is Iron Dome?

About Iron Dome:

• It is Israel’s air missile defense system that can defend against short-range rockets, intercepting them in the air above the state.
• It is capable of successfully handling multiple rockets at a time.
• Developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Israel Aerospace Industries, the system became operational in March 2011.
• Features:
  • The Iron Dome functions by detecting, analyzing, and intercepting varieties of targets such as mortars, rockets, and artillery. 
  • It is powered by missile-defense batteries.
  • It has all-weather capabilities and is able to function night or day and in all conditions, including fog, rain, dust storms, and low clouds. 
  • It is able to launch a variety of interceptor missiles. 
  • It is designed to shoot down missiles with a range of about 40 miles or less.
  • It also has the ability to be moved, either onto ships or across land, to better suit defense needs.
  • It must be reloaded to continuously intercept incoming missiles.
  • The Iron Dome operates through three main components:
    • a radar that detects incoming rockets,
    • a command-and-control system that determines the threat level,
    • an interceptor that seeks to destroy the incoming rocket before it strikes.