Israel’s multi-layered air defence system has defended the country from a major attack, with Iran launching over 300 armed drones and long-range missiles.
Working of Defence System
Israel’s air defence system is meant to provide multi-layered defences against a range of aerial threats, which includes aircraft, cruise and ballistic missiles as well as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
While cruise missiles fly at a low distance from the ground, ballistic missiles follow a parabolic trajectory.
It includes systems such as Arrow 2 and Arrow 3, David’s Sling (Stunner), Iron Dome, Patriot Advanced Capability-2, PAC-3 and advanced fighter jets operated by the country’s air force.
They are designed to counter specific threats and are integrated to work in tandem to provide a full-proof protection from projectiles.
Components of defence system
The Arrow system is a family of anti-ballistic missiles, capable of intercepting long-range missiles.
Developed in collaboration with the US, Arrow-2 can intercept ballistic missiles within the atmosphere.
Arrow-3 has the capability of intercepting missiles outside the Earth’s atmosphere and it was employed to intercept long-range missiles launched by the Houthi militia in Yemen.
The Houthis are believed to be backed by Iran.
The David’s Sling (or Stunner) is Israel’s medium-range air defence system, which can intercept cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, and aircraft.
With a range of 300 kilometres, it also has an advanced phased-array radar for easier detection.
The Iron Dome is Israel’s indigenous short-range air defence system which can intercept rockets, artillery shells, and mortar bombs. With a 70 kilometre range, it has been effectively shooting down short-range threats such as rockets launched by Hamas.
The US-made Patriot PAC-2 and PAC-3 are air defence systems that can intercept a range of missiles and target aircraft and drones.
Counted as among the oldest air defence systems, they were employed during the First Gulf War in 1991 for intercepting Scud missiles launched by Iraq.
The F-16 and F-35 fighter jets play a major role in air defence, being equipped with air-to-air missiles.
Additionally, Israel is developing the Iron Beam to intercept incoming threats with laser technology. It is yet to be fully operational.
