(A LOOK AT ISRAEL’S AIR DEFENSE SYSTEM & THE COUNTRY’S TIES WITH BOEING)
October 4, 2024
Hello everyone
Israel’s Iron Dome air defense system is one of several systems the country has developed to protect itself from missiles since the Gulf War in 1991.
It also uses Arrow interceptions, and a system called David’s Sling.
The short-range Iron Dome air defense system was built to intercept the kind of rockets fired by Hamas in Gaza.
It was developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, an Israeli state-owned company, with US backing, and became operational in 2011. Each truck-towed unit fires radar-guided missiles to blow up short-range threats such as rockets, mortars and drones in mid-air.
A naval version of the Iron Dome to protect ships and sea-based assets was deployed in 2017. The system determines whether a rocket is on course to hit a populated area; if not, the rocket is ignored and allowed to land harmlessly.
What is David’s Sling?
David’s Sling system is designed to shot down ballistic missiles fired from 100 to 200km away.
It was developed and manufactured jointly by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and the US company RTX, formerly known as Raytheon.
The system is also designed to intercept aircraft, drones and cruise missiles.
What is the Arrow system?
The long-range Arrow-2 and Arrow-3 interceptors, developed by Israel with an Iranian missile threat in mind, are designed to engage threats both in and outside the atmosphere.
It operates at an altitude that allows for the safe dispersal of any non-conventional warheads.
State-owned Israel Aerospace Industries is the project’s main contractor, while Boeing is involved in producing the interceptors.
Israel said it had used the system on October 31 last year to intercept a surface-to-surface missile fired from the area of the Red Seas towards its territory.
Boeing and Israel have a long history that goes back more than 75 years – to the founding of the State of Israel. Since then, Boeing has worked closely with Israeli and commercial and military customers and suppliers and has developed many lasting partnerships.
Israel has a large and modern air force and a successful commercial aviation sector. The Israeli aerospace industry in the public and private sectors provides a high level of innovation and expertise in the design and manufacture of a wide variety of defence, space and communication products. Its position as a world aerospace leader makes Israel an important market and partner to Boeing.
El Al = Israel’s flagship airline.
QI CORNER
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT
Cheers
Jacquie
