Israel conducts first test launch of 'Iron Dome' rocket defense system
Wednesday, March 19, 2008 Free Headline Alerts
Israel successfully test-fired its "Iron Dome" anti-rocket system's interceptor for the first time on March 9.
Designed to defend against rockets from a range of 4-70 km, The Iron Dome's interceptor, Tamir, is 3 meters long, weighs 90 kg. and is 160 mm. diameter, Jane's Defence reported.
Over the last year, Israel has launched the David's Sling and Iron Dome projects, meant to protect against missiles and rockets with a range of 10 to 280 kilometers.
Of the interceptor proximity warhead, "I can only say it is designed to ensure the destruction of all known rocket threats in the region, including future threats," Brigadier General Daniel Gold, head of research and development (R&D) in the Israeli Ministry of Defence (MoD), told Jane's.
An Iron Dome battery will consist of a multimission radar (MMR) and three launchers, each carrying 20 interceptors.
On Oct. 16, 2007, Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak met Defense Secretary Robert Gates and agreed to establish a panel to examine an Israeli proposal to augment missile defense cooperation to include short-range rockets and missiles.
A single battery is required to protect an urban area of approximately 150 sq km from rockets fired at a range of 15 km, with the defended area growing if the rockets are fired from greater distances.
Iron Dome is being designed to defend against the growing rocket threats to Israel from the Gaza Strip