Israel's Iron Dome system foils first rocket attack

© Israel Sun/Rex Features

08/04/11 By Arie Egozi Flight International

Israel's Rafael-produced Iron Dome mobile defence system has achieved its first live intercept against a short-range rocket launched from the Gaza Strip. The newly installed equipment destroyed a BM-21 Grad 122mm rocket launched in the direction of Ashqelon on 7 April, around three days after it had been deployed near the Israeli city. Intended to intercept short-range rockets and artillery shells, the Iron Dome system was designed to avoid collateral damage in a target area by destroying the threat away from a defended zone, and preventing debris from falling there. The system's main components include a tracking radar, a battle management and weapons control unit, an interceptor with a special warhead to intercept threats launched from a distance of up to 70km (38nm) away, plus a missile firing unit. Two Iron Dome systems are now in operational use by the Israeli armed forces.