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Iron Dome missile defence system to become operational within a number of weeks
The Israeli-designed Iron Dome missile defence system, which is intended to offer an effective defence against short range missiles, is due to become operational in the coming weeks. The anti-missile system is designed to intercept short-range rockets and artillery shells. In the final stage of testing, carried out by the Israel Air Force, the system proved successful in every scenario.
The IAF estimates that 13 such systems will be required to offer Israeli civilians effective security against the danger of short range missiles. Both Hezbollah and Hamas possess large arsenals of such missiles. Israeli planners assume that they would be used against centres of civilian population in Israel in the event of hostilities.
In late 2010, the Obama administration allocated $205 million for the funding of Iron Dome batteries. The system was designed by Rafael Advanced Defence Systems in cooperation with the Israeli Defence Ministry.