Israeli MoD, Rafael Upgrade “Iron Dome” Air Defense System Based on Iran War Experience

The Israeli Ministry Defense (MoD)together with Rafael company,  completed  tests of a number of upgrades of the "Iron Dome" to cope with existing and future threats, including rockets, cruise missiles, and UAVs, besides upgrades to the rates and ranges of fire.

In addition, as part of the operational absorption process of the "Or Eitan" laser system, joint operating scenarios from the "Iron Dome" command and control complex were also practiced during the series.

The new capabilities proven in the experiment constitute a significant step in the capabilities to deal with a variety of attack scenarios to maintain the IDF's qualitative and strategic advantage in defense and attack in future systems, the IDF said Monday.

Following the repeated breach of Israeli air defense systems by Iranian missiles during the war since February 28 when the U.S., and Israel attacked Iran, Israeli systems have come in for criticism for not being able to hold of Iranian missiles.

Head of the 'Wall' Directorate at the Defense Ministry's MAPAT, Moshe Fattal: "During the War we faced an unimaginable reality of heavy barrages that required us to have tremendous flexibility in operational support in the field at peak times.  During the test, we also practiced integrating the laser system into the 'Iron Dome' command and control system, thereby reaching new heights in the capabilities and importance of the system in defending the home front. Alongside the upgrades to all systems, the 'Wall' Directorate is leading many processes to accelerate the production rate of interceptors in Israel and the US in order to strengthen readiness for any scenario."

Rafael CEO Yoav Turgeman: "The test, which was carried out with our partners in the Air Force, with the "Wall" directorate at the MoD, constitutes another step in expanding the envelope of the system's capabilities, which will be integrated into the IDF's air defense system.