Israel boosts air defences with US$8.7 billion U.S.-backed Iron Dome expansion
Israel signed a multi-billion-dollar contract with defence contractor Rafael Advanced Defence Systems to expand serial production of the Iron Dome missile defence system, the Defence Ministry announced on Thursday.
Tamir missile is launched from the Israeli Iron Dome, positioned in central Israel, towards rockets fired from Gaza into Israel. Jul 11, 2014. Photo by Kobi Richter/TPS
The funding comes from an $8.7 billion U.S. aid package approved by Congress in April 2024, with $5.2 billion specifically earmarked to strengthen Israel’s air defence systems.
The Iron Dome system, developed in Israel and manufactured in collaboration with the U.S. government, provides defence against short- and medium-range rocket and missile threats, as well as UAV threats. Throughout the recent war, the system has exhibited outstanding performance with remarkable interception rates, delivering crucial protection to Israel’s home front against missile, rocket, UAV, and cruise missile attacks. Featuring cutting-edge technologies, Iron Dome ranks among the world’s most sophisticated air defence systems. Rafael is the system’s lead contractor.
“The Iron Dome system has become one of the world’s finest air defence systems in history. Over the years, and particularly during recent military operations, Iron Dome has protected our nation’s skies and successfully intercepted thousands of threats from Gaza, Lebanon, and other theatres — serving as a protective shield for Israeli citizens,” Defence Minister Israel Katz said.
Stressing the U.S. partnership in Iron Dome’s research and development, Katz added, “Together, we will continue developing and enhancing the world’s most advanced air defense systems — ensuring the security of our state and Israel’s strategic superiority for decades to come.”
Iron Dome is the best-known system in Israel’s multi-tiered air defence network. Romania became the first European buyer of an Israeli Iron Dome with a €2 billion ($2.3 billion) deal signed in May.
Other layers include David’s Sling, designed to shoot down medium-range threats at high altitudes, and the C-Dome system, designed to protect naval assets from short-range threats. C-Dome made its first operational intercept in April 2024.
The Arrow-3 system, which is designed to intercept ballistic missiles, had its first operational success when it shot down a ballistic missile fired by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen in November 2023. It is widely believed to be the first time a missile was intercepted in outer space, though Israeli officials have not confirmed this.
Israel also became the first country to deploy a laser-based air defence system, the Iron Beam, which intercepted scores of active enemy threats in May.
International demand for Israel’s military technology has surged as European countries have increased their defence budgets in response to Russia’s war in Ukraine. Israel set a new all-time record for defence exports in 2024, with sales reaching $14.79 billion.
