How did Israel build its multi-layered air defense system?

In the attack on the night of October 1st, Iran fired more than 180 missiles toward Israel. The attack triggered air raid sirens across the country and caused people to flee, but resulted in few minor injuries and limited damage, largely because many missiles were intercepted or landed in open areas.

The attack, believed to be the largest ever, involved hundreds of short-range, medium-range, and long-range ballistic missiles launched from multiple locations targeting civilian and military targets across Israel. However, thanks to early target detection and tracking capabilities, along with a rapid response, Israeli air defense systems successfully intercepted the majority of these missiles, minimizing damage.

But the vast majority of Israel's air defense operations over the past year have been carried out by Israel itself. For decades, Israel has developed a sophisticated system capable of detecting incoming fire and only deploying if the projectiles are headed toward population centers or sensitive military or civilian infrastructure.

Israeli leaders acknowledge that no defense system is perfect, and this system is no exception. However, they express confidence that Israel's modern missile defense system is capable of intercepting a significant portion of threats, substantially minimizing damage to people and property.

Israel's missile defense system is a multi-layered system. The outermost layer is provided by the Arrow missile system, designed to intercept long-range missiles from thousands of kilometers away. Meanwhile, the David's Sling system forms the middle layer, targeting medium-range missiles. The inner layer includes the Iron Dome system, used to intercept short-range missiles and mortars. These layers of defense together form a protective shield that has proven effective in protecting Israel from a variety of airborne threats.

Arrow missile system: Israel's long-range defense shield.

The Arrow missile system is one of the world's most advanced long-range missile defense systems, developed by Israel. It is designed to intercept medium- and long-range ballistic missile threats, including those carrying conventional and nuclear warheads.

The Arrow system operates on the principle of intercepting missiles just outside the atmosphere. When a ballistic missile is launched, the system's radar detects and tracks the target. Then, an interceptor missile is launched to destroy the target by direct impact or with its warhead.

The Arrow missile system is a prime example of Israel's advanced defense technology development. It not only plays a crucial role in national security but is also a highly valuable export product on the international market.

David's Sling missile system: Israel's medium-range defense shield.

The David's Sling air defense missile system was developed by the Israel Missile Defense Organization (IMDO) in collaboration with the American company Raytheon. This system launches unarmed Stunner interceptor missiles, capable of intercepting rockets and medium- and long-range missiles at distances up to 190 miles.

The David's Sling system consists of a launch system, a fire control radar, a control unit, and interceptor missiles.

David's Sling significantly enhances the air defense strategy and is a central element in Israel's multi-layered defense system, providing additional protection against short- and medium-range threats and complementing the capabilities of the Arrow and Iron Dome systems.

The Iron Dome system: Israel's last line of defense.

First developed in 2011, the Iron Dome system is designed to intercept artillery shells as well as short-range rockets. It is considered one of the most advanced air defense systems in the world.

The Iron Dome system comprises multiple batteries with numerous launchers, each capable of holding up to 20 Tamir interceptor missiles. Each Iron Dome battery includes a radar and control system, and is strategically located throughout Israel. The Tamir interceptor missiles of the Iron Dome system are capable of striking targets at ranges up to 43 miles.

This system has intercepted thousands of missiles since it was put into service in the early part of the last decade, including thousands more interceptions in the current war against Hamas and Hezbollah. Israel says the Iron Dome system has a success rate of over 90%.

Iron Beam System: A new system using laser technology.

Israel is developing a new system to intercept potential threats using laser technology. Israel says this system will be a breakthrough because it will be significantly cheaper to operate than existing systems. According to Israeli media reports, the cost of a single interception using the Iron Dome system is approximately $50,000, while other systems can cost over $2 million per missile. In contrast, interceptions using the Iron Beam system would cost only a few dollars each, but this system is not yet operational.