Since the beginning of the conflict between Hamas and Israel, the Iron Dome missile defense system in Israel has intercepted several rockets and missiles launched from Gaza.Why is this important?
For more than a decade, this multi-billion-dollar system has played a crucial role in protecting Israeli cities and preventing many casualties.In response to the attacks since Oct 7, 2023Israel has launched heavy bombardments on the densely populated Gaza Strip, an area controlled by Hamas and home to 2 million Palestinians. Israel also cut off electricity and blocked the entry of food, fuel, and supplies into Gaza.
According to the information available in the public domain, the Iron Dome operates through a combination of radar to detect incoming threats, batteries that launch interceptor missiles carrying proximity warheads, and communication systems to relay guidance data. These batteries can neutralize threats launched from distances of up to 43 miles, while ignoring projectiles that are headed for unpopulated areas.Israel has strategically placed at least 10 batteries around the country to protect civilians and vital infrastructure. Each battery can defend an area of nearly 60 square miles. It’s important to note that the Iron Dome is just one part of Israel’s missile defense network, as they also have systems for low to mid-range, upper-atmospheric, and exo-atmospheric projectiles.How effective is it?The Iron Dome’s effectiveness has steadily improved since it successfully intercepted its first hostile projectile in April 2011. It has achieved a success rate of around 90 percent, according to Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, an Israeli firm that is behind the development of this dome.
In recent years, it has proven to be highly effective. During the 11-day conflict in May 2021, militant groups in Gaza fired at least 4,000 rockets, resulting in the unfortunate loss of lives. However, the Iron Dome played a crucial role in minimizing casualties on the Israeli side.What is the cost?The total cost of developing, manufacturing, deploying, and maintaining the Iron Dome system is not precisely known, but it is likely several billion dollars. A complete battery is estimated to cost around US$100 million to produce, and each interceptor missile costs roughly US$50,000, according to an analysis by the Center for Strategic and International Studies.In comparison, the launchers and projectiles used by Hamas are likely much less expensive but have the potential to cause widespread damage to civilians and infrastructure.The US has been a significant supporter of Israeli missile defense systems, allocating almost US$10 billion since 1946, with nearly US$3 billion specifically dedicated to the Iron Dome, according to the Congressional Research Service.
In summary, the Iron Dome is a vital component of Israel’s defense strategy, effectively intercepting short-range projectiles and helping protect its population. While it comes at a significant financial cost, its impact on saving lives and reducing damage during conflicts cannot be understated. Other countries have also shown interest in acquiring the Iron Dome for their own defense needs.
Has India ever been presented with this technology?
Yes and no.
Financial Express Online has reported earlier, the initial offering of Israel’s Iron Dome missile technology to India occurred in 2013. During this time, Israel was vying to establish itself as a key player in India’s arms trade, competing against Russia and the United States. Despite its small size, Israel had been discreetly striving to gain a share of India’s defense market while keeping the precise import figures confidential.
Interestingly, in 2021 the Iron Dome technology was employed to counter a significant rocket attack on Israel.
It is worth noting that back in 2013-14, the Israeli delegation proposed the David’s Sling missile system, not the Iron Dome. The David’s Sling is designed for air defense within a short range of 250 kilometers.
What has Israel delivered to India?
As previously documented, India’s acquisitions from Israel have encompassed anti-ballistic missile systems, radar systems, submarine-launched cruise missiles, micro-satellite systems for surveillance, laser-guided systems, and precision-guided munitions. Additionally, both nations have collaborated on upgrading weapons systems originally supplied by the Soviet Union and Russia, including aircraft, artillery, and tanks.
One notably significant procurement involved the deployment of state-of-the-art Israeli advanced sensor systems along India’s 2,912-mile border with Pakistan. According to officials, this system has effectively reduced infiltration levels from that region.
