Israel has relied on an intricate network of missile defense systems to protect its territory from persistent missile and drone attacks. Facing threats from groups such as Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Gaza, and Houthi rebels in Yemen, Israel has deployed advanced systems to counter these regional challenges. To further strengthen these defenses, the U.S. has deployed a high-altitude anti-missile system known as Thaad, adding a new layer to Israel’s existing network.
Overview of Israel’s Missile Defense Systems
Israel’s defense strategy relies on a series of missile interception systems that target threats at various altitudes and ranges:
- Iron Dome
Iron Dome is Israel’s best-known defense system, designed to intercept short-range rockets, artillery, and mortars up to a range of 70 km. With a 90% success rate, the system uses radar to identify incoming threats that are likely to impact populated areas, intercepting them with Tamir missiles, each costing around $50,000. Developed in response to Hezbollah’s attacks during the 2006 Lebanon conflict, Iron Dome has been operational since 2011, intercepting thousands of rockets, especially those launched from Gaza. - David’s Sling
Developed jointly by Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and the U.S. company Raytheon, David’s Sling intercepts medium- to long-range ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and aircraft from distances up to 300 km. Each Stunner missile, costing around $1 million, is targeted only at threats posed to urban areas, effectively complementing Iron Dome’s short-range coverage. - Arrow Systems (Arrow 2 and Arrow 3)
Arrow 2 is tailored to counter short- and medium-range ballistic missiles, intercepting them in the upper atmosphere. Operational since 2000, Arrow 2 can detect threats up to 500 km away, destroying them before they approach urban centers. Arrow 3, with a 2,400 km range, targets long-range ballistic missiles beyond the Earth’s atmosphere, making it a critical line of defense against intercontinental threats. - Thaad
Recently deployed by the U.S., the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (Thaad) system enhances Israel’s ability to intercept incoming missiles at distances of 150-200 km, both inside and outside the Earth’s atmosphere. Operated by U.S. troops, Thaad complements Israel’s other systems, focusing on high-altitude threats similar to David’s Sling.
The Need for Multilayered Defense
Amidst heightened tensions, Israel’s defense forces reported utilizing all available systems in an October 1 missile counteroffensive involving over 180 Iranian-launched missiles, some of which breached Israeli airspace. While the defense shield remains robust, recent incidents, including an October 13 Hezbollah drone strike on an Israeli base, highlight the need for continuous upgrades.
In April, following a wave of drone and missile attacks from Iran, the IDF reported intercepting 99% of projectiles, showcasing the effectiveness of the current network but emphasizing the necessity of U.S. support and new technologies to enhance Israel’s defenses against evolving threats.