As the Israel missile defence system faces one of its toughest challenges, Iranian ballistic missiles and suicide drones continue to rain down. Over the past two days, Israel has endured hundreds of aerial assaults. The ongoing strikes mark a new high in the military standoff between the two regional foes.
Israel has spent decades refining its missile defence systems. These efforts began after Iraqi Scud missiles hit the country during the 1991 Gulf War. Since then, Israel has built a multi-layered shield with strong U.S. support. American forces have provided advanced anti-missile technology to strengthen the country’s security.
An Israeli military spokesperson confirmed on Saturday that their air defence had intercepted the majority of threats. The current interception success rate is between 80% and 90%. But the official also admitted that no missile shield is flawless. Some of the Iranian missiles still managed to breach the defences.
Here’s a breakdown of the five key layers of Israel missile defence:
1. Arrow System
The long-range Arrow-2 and Arrow-3 interceptors were built with the Iranian threat in mind. Arrow-2 engages targets inside the atmosphere. Arrow-3, on the other hand, intercepts threats outside it. Both systems neutralize incoming missiles at high altitudes, which helps reduce the risk from nuclear or chemical warheads. Israel Aerospace Industries is the main contractor, while Boeing works on the interceptor production.
2. David’s Sling
David’s Sling protects against mid-range threats. It covers distances between 100 km and 200 km. This system is capable of shooting down ballistic missiles, drones, aircraft, and cruise missiles. It was developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems in collaboration with U.S. company RTX Corp (formerly Raytheon). This layer of missile defence fills the gap between Arrow and Iron Dome.
3. Iron Dome
Iron Dome is the most well-known part of Israel missile defence. It protects against short-range rockets, mortars, and drones—especially from Gaza. The system became active in 2011 and has saved countless lives since. Each truck-mounted launcher fires radar-guided missiles that intercept incoming threats mid-air. The system also calculates whether a rocket will hit a populated area. If not, it lets it fall harmlessly.
A sea-based version of Iron Dome was introduced in 2017 to protect naval assets. Originally, it was designed for threats up to 70 km, but upgrades have extended its range.
4. U.S. THAAD System
Last October, the U.S. deployed the THAAD system (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) to Israel. It’s part of Washington’s commitment to Israel’s protection. THAAD can destroy short, medium, and intermediate-range missiles during their final phase of flight. On Friday, U.S. ground units helped intercept Iranian missiles. A U.S. Navy destroyer in the Mediterranean also played a part, according to Israeli media.
5. Air-to-Air Defence
Israel’s fighter jets and helicopters have played an active role in intercepting threats. These aircraft have fired air-to-air missiles to shoot down drones approaching Israeli airspace. Jordan’s air force also took action. On Friday, it intercepted both missiles and drones that entered Jordanian territory.
The Israel missile defence network has been put to the test like never before. Though highly effective, officials stress that no system can guarantee full protection. Yet, this multi-tiered web of interceptors, radars, and allied cooperation continues to keep Israel from greater disaster.
