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Iron Dome Air Defense System

Iron Dome Air Defense System

Brand: Iron Dome Air Defense System
Category: Defense Systems
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Maximum Range 70 km
Maximum Altitude 10 km
Radar Detection Range 100–150 km
Missile Speed Mach 2.2

Full Specifications
Product Overview
Reviews

Full Specifications

1. General Information

System Name	Iron Dome
Manufacturer	Rafael Advanced Defense Systems
Country of Origin	Israel
Type / Role	Short-Range Air Defense System (SHORAD)
In Service	Yes
Year Introduced	2011
Unit Cost	USD 50–100 Million per Battery

2. Performance & Capabilities

Maximum Engagement Range	70 km
Maximum Engagement Altitude	10 km
Target Types	Rockets, Artillery, Mortars, UAVs
Interception Probability	90%+ (Short-Range Threats)
Reaction Time	5–10 seconds
Radar Detection Range	100–150 km

3. Missile Specifications

Missile Type	Tamir Interceptor
Missile Length	3 m
Missile Weight	90 kg
Warhead Type	Fragmentation / Proximity Fuse
Warhead Weight	11 kg
Speed	Mach 2.2

4. Radar & Fire Control

Radar Type	AESA Multi-Mission Radar (MMR)
Radar Name	EL/M-2084
Detection Range	100–150 km
Tracking Capacity	200+ Targets
Guidance System	Command + Active Radar Homing
Fire Control System	Automated Battle Management Center (BMC)

5. Launcher & Mobility

Launcher Type	Mobile / Truck-Mounted
No. of Missiles per Launcher	20
Reload Time	30 minutes
Mobility Platform	Heavy Tactical Truck
Crew Required	3–4 personnel

6. Communication & Control

Control Type	Battle Management & Control (BMC)
Data Link Range	Secure Radio / Data Link
Navigation	Yes (Layered Defense Integration)
Ground Control Station	Autonomous / Networked

7. Operational Use

Primary Operator	Israel, United States
Combat Proven	Yes
Conflict History	Gaza Conflicts, Syrian Front, Lebanon
Notable Feature	Real-Time Threat Discrimination

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

Technology 8 / 10
Performance 8 / 10
Operational Flexibility 8 / 10
Combat Effectiveness 8 / 10

PROS

Exceptional interception rate against rockets and drones
Highly automated and low crew requirement
Combat-proven in multiple conflicts
Mobile and rapidly deployable
Integrated radar and C2 systems

CONS

Limited range compared to medium/long-range systems
High operational cost per interception
Less effective against saturation attacks
Dependent on radar line-of-sight
Requires frequent missile resupply in heavy engagements

Iron Dome Air Defense System: Israel’s Battle-Tested Air Defense Shield

The Iron Dome is a highly advanced, short-range air defense system developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems in cooperation with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). Designed to protect civilian and military targets from rockets, artillery shells, and drones, the system has become one of the most recognized and combat-proven missile defense systems in the world.

Design and Functionality

First deployed in 2011, Iron Dome was conceived to counter the persistent rocket threats faced by Israel. Each Iron Dome battery consists of a radar unit, a battle management and control (BMC) center, and missile launchers carrying up to 20 Tamir interceptor missiles.

The system’s EL/M-2084 radar, produced by Elta Systems, detects incoming projectiles and calculates their trajectories in real-time. If the incoming threat is projected to hit a populated area, the BMC authorizes an interception. The Tamir missile, guided by radar and equipped with electro-optical sensors, then destroys the target mid-air with pinpoint precision.

Performance and Capabilities

Iron Dome can engage targets at ranges up to 70 km and altitudes up to 10 km, reacting within seconds of detection. Its high interception success rate—estimated at over 90%—has made it invaluable in defending cities and critical infrastructure during conflicts in Gaza, Syria, and Lebanon.

The U.S. Army has also procured Iron Dome batteries for evaluation under its Indirect Fire Protection Capability (IFPC) program, further validating its effectiveness in modern integrated air defense networks.

Iron Dome Price in United States

The Iron Dome: Israel’s Battle-Tested Air Defense Shield is priced between USD 50 million and USD 100 million per battery in the United States, depending on configuration, support systems, and operational readiness packages. Each battery includes a multi-mission radar, command-and-control (C2) unit, and multiple launchers equipped with Tamir interceptor missiles. The cost can fluctuate based on training, maintenance, and integration with U.S. defense networks. Despite its substantial price tag, the Iron Dome offers exceptional value through its combat-proven 90% interception rate, making it one of the most reliable short-range air defense systems fielded by both Israel and the U.S. Army for protection against rockets, drones, and artillery threats.

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