Iron Dome to protect Israel

David Donald

Monday, 16 June, 2008

Rafael has chosen Eurosatory to release its Iron Dome defence system. Iron Dome is a missile-based interception system designed primarily to counter short-range artillery rockets such as the Qassams being fired from the Gaza strip, and Hezbollah and Syrian Katyushas. It can also intercept 155mm artillery and other projectiles.
Iron Dome was selected in February 2007 and is being fast-tracked to provide Israeli citizens with relief from regular rocket attacks. Deployment is on schedule for the first quarter of 2010, with units to be deployed in northern and southern Israel.
Iron Dome comprises a detection and tracking radar, battle management and control unit, and a missile-firing unit. The radar and BMC are vehicle-mounted, and the firing unit is wheeled so that it can be rapidly deployed. The highspeed system is effective out to 70km, with the aim of intercepting incoming projectiles at maximum range and altitude to prevent 16 target debris falling in the protected area. Longrange
interception also greatly reduces the risks of contamination should the target carry
chemical or biological warheads. The system is fully capable of handling large salvoes.
Iron Dome forms part of a double-tiered defensive system for Israel, partnered by the
David’s Sling system. Developed by Rafael and Raytheon, David’s Sling is targeted against medium and long-range rockets, short-range ballistic missiles and cruise missiles. Rafael also builds the Spyder air defence system, combining a slant-launched SHORAD and vertical-launched medium-range solution based on the Derby active-radar and Python 5 imaging infrared air-to-air missiles.
Rafael (Stand E260) is one of Israel’s leading defence suppliers. Current product ranges include the SPIKE family of EO/IR-guided anti-armour missiles, ASPRO (Armored Shield Protection) family of passive/active add-on armour, HeliCOAT helicopter simulator, Wolf multipurpose light armoured vehicle, and Spotlite Mk 2. The latter is an EO system designed to detect small-arms fire sources and expedite their neutralisation. Rafael also has a range of SIMON, Matador and Urban Star breaching devices for urban conflict and complex antiterrorism scenarios.