Israel e Iran They star in a Constant missile and drones cross for a week, whose effects are difficult to predict in full war. Although many projectiles launched by the Iranians were intercepted by the Israeli defensive systemssome They managed to cross the shield and wreak havoc.
One of the missiles hit the Soroka Hospitalin Beershebagenerating material damage and leaving numerous injured. Explosions were also reported in residential areas and high buildings near Tel Aviv.
So far, the Israeli government confirmed 24 dead and 271 injured. On the other side, the American NGO Human Rights Activists He informed that Israeli bombings caused the death of 639 people In Iran and left more than 1,300 injured. The difference in figures is due in large part to the high efficacy of the Israeli defense system, although its vulnerability was also evidenced.
How is Israel’s iron dome
The anti -aircraft defense system of Israel It is formed by several layers, and the Iron dome (Kipat Barzel, in Hebrew) is its closest component to the territory. Designed to intercept short -range rockets, it was developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd and Israel Aerospace Industriesand went into operation in 2011.
Its origin dates back to war against Hezbollah in 2006when Israel faced a flood of missile from the Lebanon and the Gaza Strip. Since then, the system was able to intercept threats launched from until 70 kilometers.
The dome consists of three elements: a tracking radar, a control station and a pitcher with up to 20 missiles Tamir. These rockets do not impact their goal directly, but reach it by proximity. “It is a weapon of proximity … it is close enough to explode and neutralize the target,” explained the retired colonel Mark Cancan to CBS.
The system unfolds from fixed or mobile units and Israel It has at least 10 batteries active. Its manufacturer ensures more than 2,000 interceptions and an effectiveness of 90%.
How it works
When a projectile is detected, The radar follows it while a computer analyzes its journey. If you go to a strategic or populated site, the system launches a Tamir that destroys it in the air. If it does not represent a danger, it is allowed to continue its course.
Each battery includes three or four pitchers. The flexibility of the system allows its Installation in various scenarios. Cancen described it as “the most used anti -aircraft system in the world.”
David’s Honda and the Arrow missiles
Next to the iron dome, the system has two medium and long -range elements. The David Hondadeveloped by Rafael and Raytheonyou can intercept threats to 300 kilometers. He became popular in 2023after knocking rockets launched by the Islamic jihad against Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
Unlike Tamir, the Honda missiles hit directly to the target, thanks to high precision sensors. They have two stages, such as rockets used to launch satellites.
The Arrow 2 and 3 missiles They complete the system. Capable of overcoming Mach 9they were designed to intercept threats to more than 2,400 kilometers Already heights above 100 kilometers. He CSIS He explained that “they are designed to neutralize threats both inside and outside the atmosphere.” These rockets can change course in full flight and, if they do not impact directly, they detonate 40 or 50 meters of white.
What are the limitations of Israeli defense
Despite its figures, the system is not exempt from criticism. Experts noted that the dome only intercepts projectiles that represent a real threat. Additionally, several missiles hit urban areas in recent years.
In 2021during an attack from Looptechnical failures prevented the interception of some rockets, which resulted in the death of two people and dozens of injured in Ascalonaccording to Times of Israel.
The current conflict also highlighted its failures: several Iranian missiles reached critical infrastructure, such as Haifa refineryand densely inhabited areas. Although it is still one of the most advanced systems on the planetthe Israeli shield proved not infallible against a massive and coordinated attack.
Source: Ambito
