Amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, Israel’s highly celebrated air defense system, Iron Dome, is celebrated across the world for its remarkable level of invulnerability.
Deployed in various areas of the country to deter rocket attacks and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), Iron Dome claims an exceptional accuracy rate of over 95%.
However, when Hamas launched its surprise attack on Saturday, the Iron Dome system proved ineffective in dealing with the heavy rocket attack. In a period of just 20 minutes, Hamas fired 5,000 rockets from the Gaza Strip towards Israel.
“Iron Dome” is a surface-to-air, short-range air defense system designed to intercept and neutralize incoming missiles, rockets and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) by destroying them in mid-air . In service since 2011, the system has been strategically deployed throughout Israel (Israel) for situations similar to the current conflict. Notably, Iron Dome claims a range of 70 kilometers.
According to an AP report, the United States is actively working with American defense companies to speed up the delivery of weapons previously ordered by Israel. The primary focus is to accelerate the supply of weapons needed for Israel’s Iron Dome air defense system.
President Joe Biden said Tuesday that resupplying Iron Dome munitions and air defense systems was an immediate priority.
“We are increasing additional military support, including ammunition and interceptors, to replenish Iron Dome,” he said. “We are going to make sure that Israel does not lack these critical assets to defend its cities and its citizens,” Biden said.
US defense contractor Raytheon makes a significant portion of the missile components used in the Iron Dome system in the United States, the AP reports. Additionally, the US Army has two Iron Dome systems in its inventory.
(with agency input)