Coordinated efforts from countries including the US, the UK, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia enabled Israel to intercept multiple missiles launched by Iran on April 13-14, 2024.
Learning from the events of October 7, 2023, Israel maintained heightened readiness of its ground and air defence forces. Iran executed over 300 airstrikes from its territory, employing drones and missiles from Syria and Iraq to target Israeli military installations.
Reportedly, Iran deployed 185 functional drones (Shaheed), 36 cruise missiles, and approximately 100 long-range ballistic missiles. Israel asserts that its air defence systems, supported by allies such as the US and Jordan, successfully neutralized 99 percent of the incoming threats, resulting in minimal damage at the Navatim Air Base and a single civilian casualty.
About Israel’s Advanced Air Defence Systems
Israel’s robust air defence network comprises long-range and short-range missile systems developed independently or in collaboration with allies like the US.
Arrow System:
Developed in partnership with the US, the Arrow system effectively intercepts long-range missiles, boasting a range of approximately 2400 kilometers. Detecting incoming enemy missiles in advance, it launches countermeasures to neutralize threats, including ballistic missile attacks. During the recent attack by Iran, Arrow interceptors successfully destroyed incoming ballistic missiles, mitigating potential damage.
The anti-ballistic missile system Arrow is produced by Israel’s Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) with co-funding from the US. Israel reportedly possesses multiple variants of Arrow, notably Arrow-2 and Arrow-3, capable of intercepting enemy ballistic missiles, even at close range. Evidence suggests that Israel utilized Arrow interceptors to thwart Iran’s short-range ballistic missiles, as remnants were discovered along Israel’s coastlines.
Green Pine Radar:
Integral to the Arrow missile system, Israel’s Green Pine radar detects, tracks, and targets enemy missiles and aircraft. Notably, India has procured Green Pine radar from Israel for similar defence capabilities.
David Sling:
Jointly developed by the US-based Raytheon Company and Israel’s Rafael, the David Sling system defends against medium-range missile threats, covering a range of approximately 300 kilometers.
Patriot:
Israel has long relied on the American Patriot missile defence system, initially deployed during the first Gulf War to intercept Scud missiles from Iraq. Presently, it safeguards against aerial threats, including drones and aircraft, and is deployed in conflicts such as the ongoing Ukraine war.
Iron Dome:
A collaborative effort between Israel and the US, the Iron Dome system specializes in intercepting short-range rockets, boasting a remarkable success rate of 90 percent. Deployed against thousands of rocket attacks by groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, Iron Dome serves as a vital short-range anti-missile defence.
Iron Beam:
Utilizing cutting-edge laser technology, Israel is developing Iron Beam as an affordable defence system against aerial threats, including drones. While its operational use during the recent Iranian attacks remains unconfirmed, Iron Beam holds promise as a cost-effective solution compared to traditional systems like Iron Dome.
Spider:
A mobile air defence platform mounted on military vehicles, Spider provides flexibility in defence deployment. Initially boasting a range of 10-15 kilometers, the MR version extends its reach to 16-35 kilometers. India’s acquisition of the Spider-MR system a decade ago underscores its effectiveness and adaptability, aligning with Israel’s reputation for innovative defence solutions.