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Explainer

Israel's Iron Dome is just one part of its multi-layered air defence system

The short-range air defence system began operating in 2011 and uses radars to detect and intercept rockets, missiles and drones.

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Can Iron Dome defend Israel against attacks?
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The Iron Dome is part of a multi-layer air-defence system which is understood to be one of the most effective in the world.

The Iron Dome began operating in 2011, largely in response to the 2006 war that ended with Hamas taking control of Gaza the following year.

Follow latest: Hezbollah fires missile towards Tel Aviv

It uses radars to detect and intercept short-range rockets, missiles and drones.

As concerns about the escalating situation on Israel's border with Lebanon escalate, the Iron Dome has been used to shoot down missiles fired by Hezbollah.

Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile defense system intercepts rockets fired from Lebanon, amid cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel, as seen from northern Israel, September 25, 2024. REUTERS
Image: Israel's Iron Dome intercepts rockets fired from Lebanon. Pic: Reuters

Mobile launchers and 'battle management centres'

The Iron Dome was developed by Israel's state-owned Rafael Advanced Defence Systems with US support.

The system consists of a series of truck-towed mobile units placed strategically throughout the country.

When their radars detect a threat, the information is sent to a "battle management centre" where military personnel analyse it, anticipating its path and impact point, and decide which missile launcher to use to intercept it.

Counter missiles are then fired directly at the threat - or near it - so the shrapnel can neutralise it.

Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile system operates for interceptions as rockets are launched from Lebanon towards Israel, amid cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel, as seen from Haifa, Israel, September 24, 2024. REUTERS/Ammar Awad
Image: The system detects missiles approaching Israel and then shoots them down. Pic: Reuters

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The dome, known as Kippat Barzel in Hebrew, reacts within a matter of seconds and is manned 24 hours a day.

Originally it was designed to protect cities and strategic sites against missiles with a range of 2.5 and 43 miles, but it is thought to have been expanded.

The iron dome has blocked almost 90% of Hamas airstrikes since the violence began eight days ago
Image: An Israeli 'battle management centre'

More than 90% effective

It has consistently blocked more than 90% of rockets fired towards Israel, with a naval version deployed to protect ships and other assets in 2017.

This is why the number of Israeli deaths in the current war with Hamas has remained low, while those in Gaza continue to increase.

Soon after it began operating it became the envy of other militaries.

Rafael has said it has supplied at least two Iron Dome batteries to the US army, with Ukraine having made a similar request.

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How does the Iron Dome work?

Saturation point unknown

Although extremely effective, it is not perfect. The dome has a saturation point at which it would become overwhelmed, but this exact level is unknown.

Iran's attack on 13 April saw 170 drones, 120 ballistic missiles and 30 cruise missiles used, "99%" of which were intercepted by the Iron Dome, according to Israel Defence Forces (IDF) data.

When war broke out on 7 October last year, 3,000 rockets were fired from Gaza at once.

Israel also has medium and long-range defence systems, known as David's Sling, Patriot and Arrow.

What is the Arrow?

The Arrow was developed with the US and is designed to intercept long-range missiles, including the types of ballistic missiles Iran said it launched on Tuesday.

Operating outside the atmosphere, it has been used in the current war to intercept long-range missiles launched by Houthi militants in Yemen.

What is David's Sling?

Another system is the David's Sling, which was also developed with the US and is meant to intercept medium-range missiles, such as those possessed by Hezbollah in Lebanon.

What is the Patriot System?

The American-made Patriot system is the oldest member of Israel's missile-defence system.

Used during the First Gulf War in 1991 to intercept Scud missiles fired by Iraq's leader at the time, Saddam Hussein, the Patriot is now used to shoot down aircraft, including drones.

What does the future hold?

Due to the limitations of the Iron Dome, Israel has been developing a new system called the Iron Beam to intercept incoming threats with laser technology.

It has said this system will be a game changer because it is much cheaper to operate than existing ones.

However, it is not yet operational.