Israel's Iron Dome is a missile defense system designed to intercept and destroy short-range rockets and mortars fired at the country. It plays a crucial role in protecting Israeli civilians during conflicts like the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. Here's what you need to know about this advanced defense system.

The Iron Dome was developed by Israeli defense contractor Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and was first deployed in 2011. It consists of a network of radar and interceptors that work together to detect and intercept incoming rockets. When a rocket is detected, the system calculates its trajectory and assesses whether it poses a threat to populated areas. If the rocket is deemed a threat, the Iron Dome fires an interceptor missile to intercept and destroy it mid-air.

The Iron Dome has been highly effective in intercepting rockets. According to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), the system has an interception success rate of around 90%. This has saved countless lives and prevented significant damage to infrastructure.

The system has received support from the United States, which has provided funding for its development and deployment. It has also been praised by military experts for its effectiveness and technological advancements.

However, the Iron Dome is not without its limitations. It is primarily designed to target short-range rockets and is less effective against long-range missiles. Additionally, the cost of each interceptor missile is relatively high, making it an expensive defense system to operate.

Overall, the Iron Dome has proven to be a critical tool in Israel's defense against rocket attacks. It has helped to protect Israeli civilians and provide a sense of security during times of conflict.