JERUSALEM – The concept of a “Golden Dome” proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump to shield the country from long-range missiles was in part inspired by Israel’s layered missile defense systems.
Trump revealed the $175 billion plan in the Oval Office on Tuesday, mentioning it would deploy U.S. arms in space for the first time. He stated it would be “fully operational” by the end of his term in early 2029. However, a U.S. official knowledgeable about the program indicated it might require more time.
Israel’s comprehensive defense systems, commonly known as the “Iron Dome,” have been crucial in protecting it from rocket and missile attacks by Iran and associated militant organizations, a situation that intensified following the assault by Hamas on October 7, 2023.
The sophisticated system, developed over decades with considerable U.S. support, is capable of detecting incoming fire and deploying only if the projectile is headed toward a population center or sensitive military or civilian infrastructure. Israeli leaders say the system isn’t 100% guaranteed, but credit it with preventing serious damage and countless casualties.
Here’s a closer look at Israel’s multilayered air-defense system:
The Arrow
This system developed with the U.S. is designed to intercept long-range missiles. The Arrow, which operates outside the atmosphere, has been used to intercept long-range missiles launched by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen and by Iran itself during two direct exchanges of fire last year.
David’s Sling
Also developed with the U.S., David’s Sling is meant to intercept medium-range missiles, such as those possessed by Lebanon’s Hezbollah militant group. It was deployed on multiple occasions throughout the war with Hezbollah, which ended with a ceasefire last year.
Iron Dome
This system, developed by Israel with U.S. backing, specializes in shooting down short-range rockets. It has intercepted thousands of rockets since it was activated early last decade — including volleys launched by Hamas and Hezbollah. Israel says it has a success rate of over 90%.
Iron Beam
Israel is developing a new system to intercept incoming threats with laser technology. Israel has said this system will be a game changer because it would be much cheaper to operate than existing systems. According to Israeli media reports, the cost of a single Iron Dome interception is about $50,000, while the other systems can run more than $2 million per missile. Iron Beam interceptions, by contrast, would cost a few dollars apiece, according to Israeli officials — but the system is not yet operational.
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