Israel’s Air Defense Vs. Iranian Missiles: A High-Stakes Battle

Today, Iran launched a significant missile attack on Israel, firing over 200 ballistic missiles in retaliation for the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. Residents across Israeli cities rushed to bomb shelters as sirens sounded and explosions echoed, signaling the ongoing threat. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have urged citizens to remain sheltered until further notice, confirming that their air defense systems are actively engaged.

Multi-Layered Defense Strategy

Israel’s military has developed a robust air defense strategy since the 1991 Gulf War, featuring multiple systems designed to intercept different types of aerial threats. The Arrow missile defense system, comprising Arrow-2 and Arrow-3, is specifically designed to target ballistic missiles beyond the earth’s atmosphere. It employs a detachable warhead that collides with incoming threats, neutralizing them before they reach populated areas.

Iron Dome and New Technologies

For short-range threats, the Iron Dome provides critical protection against rockets frequently launched from Gaza. It determines whether a rocket is on course to hit populated areas, intercepting only those deemed dangerous. Additionally, Israel is advancing a laser-based interception technology projected to significantly reduce costs per interception, potentially revolutionizing aerial defense.