After a nearly two-month pause in hostilities, Iran launched eleven missiles at Israel, reportedly in retaliation for Israeli strikes on Hezbollah targets in Beirut's southern suburbs. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) stated that all missiles were intercepted, and they responded with airstrikes on military targets in western and central Iran.
Israel's Multi-Layered Air Defence Shield
Israel has invested heavily in building one of the world's most sophisticated air defence networks. Instead of relying on a single system, it employs multiple layers designed for various threats at different ranges, forming a protective umbrella over cities, military bases, and critical infrastructure.
Defence Against Ballistic Missiles
Arrow-3: This system serves as the first line of defence, intercepting long-range ballistic missiles outside Earth's atmosphere at altitudes over 100 km. It can engage multiple targets simultaneously before re-entry.
Arrow-2: Designed to intercept ballistic missiles within or near the atmosphere, this system acts as the second layer. Together with Arrow-3, it forms the backbone of Israel's strategic defence, with ranges of 90–150 km and altitudes above 50 km.
Intermediate and Long-Range Defence
David's Sling: Positioned between Arrow and Iron Dome, it targets tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, aircraft, and drones using Stunner missiles at ranges up to 300 km.
Patriot: The MIM-104 Patriot, acquired from the US, has protected Israel since the 1990s. Initially for aircraft, it now counters drones at ranges up to 160 km and speeds above Mach 4.
Naval and Short-Range Defence
Barak-8: Deployed on navy warships, this system engages aircraft, UAVs, cruise missiles, and anti-ship missiles at ranges up to 150 km, protecting offshore assets like gas platforms.
Iron Dome: The most recognizable component, it counters short-range rockets, artillery shells, and mortars from Hamas and Hezbollah. Using Tamir missiles at ranges up to 70 km, it has intercepted thousands of projectiles since 2011.
Laser-Based Systems
Iron Beam: A next-generation high-energy laser weapon, it intercepts mortars, drones, and UAVs at ranges up to 10 km at a fraction of the cost of conventional interceptors.
Light Blade: A tactical laser system for small threats like incendiary balloons, kites, and small drones at ranges up to 2 km.
From Arrow-3 intercepting ballistic missiles in space to Light Blade targeting small drones, Israel's layered network provides multiple opportunities to detect, track, and neutralise threats before they reach targets.
