Iron dome – better detection and other upgrades

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The Israeli air-force (IAF) is working on making its “Iron Dome” anti rocket system – better.  The effort is a double channel; one- the detection system is being improved and the batteries get new software version.

The improved sensors will allow a detection of 99% of the rockets and missiles launched towards Israel and will specifically scan the attacked area.

One of the main system improvements is the ability to have a more precise evaluation of the area under attack within Israel. This will allow earlier alerts that will be activated in specific zones. RAFAEL and the Israeli air-force (IAF) have successfully tested the upgraded version of the “Iron Dome” rocket interceptor.

The upgrade of the detection system is being done parallel to the upgrade of the “Iron dome” system that currently is deployed to handle the rocket threat.

The upgraded system, designed to shoot down rockets at greater ranges, was tested a few days ago. The need for the upgrade stems especially from intelligence information that the Hizbulah in Lebanon has received longer range rockets from Iran.

“Iron Dome”, developed by RAFAEL, is a mobile defense system aimed at intercepting short range rockets and artillery shells. The system was specially designed to avoid collateral damage by detonating the target warhead outside the defended area preventing target debris from falling in friendly area. The systems main components includes a tracking radar, a battle management and weapons control unit, an interceptor with special warhead that detonates threats from ranges up to 70 km, and a missile firing unit.

Illustration Pictures with courtesy of IDF’s spokesman unit