--- title: "Israel’s Iron Dome: Everything you need to know" description: "The Iron Dome is an all defense, no offense system that can distinguish between aerial threats and non-threats. " date: "2023-10-11" modified: "2023-10-11" authors: - name: "Joshua Skovlund" job_title: "Staff Writer" link: "https://taskandpurpose.com/authors/joshua-skovlund/" url: "https://taskandpurpose.com/tech-tactics/israel-iron-dome/" categories: - "Around the World" - "Middle East" - "Missiles" - "News" - "Tactics" - "Tech & Tactics" - "Warfare" - "Weapons" --- # Israel’s Iron Dome: Everything you need to know ![israel iron dome]() *Israel's Iron Dome air defense system intercepts rockets launched from Gaza on October 11, 2023. Israel kept up its bombardment of Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip on October 11, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and a political rival announced an emergency government for the duration of the conflict that has killed thousands. Photo by Bashar Taleb for AFP via Getty Images.* Israel’s Iron Dome has saved thousands of lives in recent days. Since [Hamas terrorists launched a full-scale invasion](), thousands of rockets have been launched at Israel, with hundreds of those rockets intercepted in mid-air by the Iron Dome’s smart missiles. Referred to as “Kippat Barzel” in Hebrew, Israel’s Iron Dome is one of the most dominant aerial defense systems in the world. Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, the creator of the Iron Dome, boasts a 90% success rate in intercepting aerial threats. ## What is the Iron Dome? Israel’s highly effective aerial defense system was first established in 2011. At least 10 intelligent mobile missile batteries create the ‘Iron Dome’ that protects Israel. Each battery contains approximately 20 Tamir interceptor missiles and has a coverage range of about 2 miles to over 43 miles. The system has intercepted over 2,500 rockets and missiles since it was first built in 2011, with hundreds of Hamas rockets intercepted in the past few days. The Iron Dome is a system of mobile batteries comprised of advanced technology that can pick up lethal aerial threats on radar, compute the calculations needed to launch a rocket to intercept them, and then launch successful counter-attack measures. The batteries can be mounted on both land and naval platforms. [**Subscribe to Task & Purpose Today**]()**. Get the latest military news and culture in your inbox daily.** The intelligent design of the system allows for it to check the trajectory of the incoming ordinance and determine whether it will impact critical infrastructure or endanger Israelis. If it’s deemed a non-threat, the system will not launch a countermeasure. ## What is the difference between the Iron Dome and David’s Sling? David’s Sling is like the Iron Dome’s younger brother, who grew up to be bigger and stronger. They belong to the same family of aerial defense systems defending Israel, including the [Arrow Weapon System](). Rafael created the Iron Dome but partnered with U.S.-based Raytheon to develop David’s Sling and create [a majority of the interceptor missile components](). While the Iron Dome is mobile and can intercept short to intermediate-range rockets and missiles, David’s Sling is a singular, stationary platform that can intercept aerial threats launched anywhere from 25 to 180 miles away. Both have an intelligent design that enables the systems to not launch if airplanes are in the path of the interceptor missile or the incoming aerial threat is not a threat to people or infrastructure. ## FAQs ***The latest on Task & Purpose*** - **Opinion: In the name of** [**health care freedom**]()**, millions of veterans may lose theirs** - [**Special Forces**]() **vs special operations forces — what’s the difference?** - **Commandant wants all Marines to do a** [**tour in the Indo-Pacific**]() - **VA claims processors** [**overwhelmed**]()**, quitting from high case load** - **First photos of 101st Airborne soldiers testing the** [**Army’s new rifles**]() ## Author Joshua Skovlund is a former staff writer for Task & Purpose and a prior U.S. Army forward observer. He has been covering the military, veterans, and first responders for over three years, reporting on assignment from Ukraine during the opening salvo of the Russian invasion, multinational military exercises in Germany, and during the 2020 civil unrest in Minneapolis. His previous bylines include *Coffee or Die Magazine* and *Outdoor Life*. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [Twitter]()