Israel Completes Tests of Upgraded Iron Dome System

Israel Missile Defense Organization and Rafael announced today that they completed advanced tests of upgraded Iron Dome weapon system.

In a statement, the company said: “This campaign, along with two recent Iron Dome tests, demonstrated a significant upgrade of the system’s technological capabilities.”

The Iron Dome was tested through a range of complex scenarios and successfully intercepted and destroyed targets, simulating existing and emerging threats, including the simultaneous interception of multiple UAVs, as well as a salvo of rockets and missiles.

“With over 2,500 combat interceptions, at a success rate of 90%, Iron Dome's development began in December 2007,” Rafael added.

Iron Dome serves as mobile, dual mission system, designed to defeat VSHORAD and C-RAM threats, aircraft, helicopters, UAVs, PGMs, & cruise missiles.

The tests began earlier this year.

The more-advanced model of the Iron Dome is due to be installed on the Israeli Navy’s new Sa’ar-6 corvettes, which are tasked with guarding the natural gas platforms off Israel’s coast as well as its shipping lanes. Though Iron Dome batteries will be located on Israeli Navy ships, they will be operated by air force troops.

During live-fire interception tests in December, the Iron Dome hit a cruise missile for the first time. The tests included an advanced version of the David’s Sling weapon system.

Together, David's Sling and Iron Dome make up two layers of Israel's multi-tiered defense array, which also includes the Arrow-2 and Arrow-3 systems. The Arrow system is the first operational missile defense system specifically designed and built to intercept and destroy ballistic missiles. The Iron Dome is designed to intercept and destroy short-range rockets and artillery shells fired from distances of 4-70 km away. It now includes cruise missiles and drones. David’s Sling shoots down medium- to long-range rockets and cruise missiles fired at ranges from 40-300 km.