In the Iranian missile attack on Israel, not all missiles could be stopped by defense systems. The reason for this could be hypersonic missiles.
Tel Aviv – In response to the incursion of Israeli troops into southern Lebanon, Iran launched an attack on Israel with dozens of missiles. Most of them were shot down by the “Iron Dome” defense system – but not all of them. The Israeli army confirmed that several projectiles hit targets in central and other parts of Israel. The highly praised defense system apparently has weak points.
Israel’s air defense: Iron Dome is intended to prevent rocket impacts
The Iron Dome is an essential part of Israel’s multi-tiered air defense system. Their task is to intercept rockets and mortar shells with a range of up to 70 kilometers. Each Iron Dome unit consists of three key components: a radar system, a computer that calculates the trajectory of the incoming missile, and a launcher that fires an interceptor missile if the calculated trajectory targets built-up or strategically important areas. The attack and defense missiles collide in the air and explode. Up to 20 launchers can be installed per unit. Additionally, the units are mobile and can be quickly moved to different locations as needed. The system is said to be able to repel 90 percent of incoming missiles.
The US think tank Center for Strategic International Studies estimates that the production of a single Iron Dome battery is about $100 million. Israel is currently said to have at least ten of these units in use. In addition, according to the system, each intercepted missile costs around $40,000. That’s why, according to the Israeli military, the system only becomes active when rockets move towards populated areas. But videos on social media show how the Iron Dome appears unable to intercept all Iranian missiles. It is unclear whether the system repelled the promised 90 percent of missiles.
Rocket attack on Israel: hypersonic missiles as a weak point of the Iron Dome?
Iran is said to have one of the largest missile and drone arsenals in the Middle East. In addition to a variety of medium-range missiles, the mullahs’ regime also claims to have hypersonic weapons. These rockets fly through the atmosphere at low altitudes and are maneuverable. Because of their high speed, they are difficult for radar systems to detect. This makes their trajectory unpredictable, making interception difficult even for modern missile defense systems.
Iran has now confirmed that hypersonic missiles were used in the attack on Israel. As state radio reports, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) were able to “break through Israeli air defenses” with the Fatah-1 missile. This self-developed type of rocket was only officially presented about 15 months ago. Iran said it fired a variety of missiles at Israel as part of the attack – including some missiles that did not appear to have been launched from the Iron Dome.
Situation in the Middle East: Iran attacks Israel with missiles
The situation in the Middle East is tense. Iran attacked Israel with around 180 rockets on Tuesday. Most were intercepted by Israel and a U.S.-led defense coalition, according to the Israeli military. There was one fatality in the West Bank and two injured in Tel Aviv. Impacts were recorded in the center and south of Israel. According to media reports, Iran targeted two Israeli air force bases and the headquarters of the Israeli secret service Mossad. Millions of Israelis sought refuge in shelters. It was Iran’s second attack on Israel this year after April. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has already threatened retaliation. (dpa/hk)
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