Examining Israel’s Complex Air Defense System After Military Intercepts Yemeni Missile

Jerusalem – The Israeli military announced that it successfully stopped a missile launched from Yemen on Thursday before it could enter Israeli airspace. There were sounds of air raid sirens and interceptors in action in Jerusalem at the time of the interception.

No injuries were reported as a result of the incident. The Houthis claimed responsibility for launching a ballistic missile towards Israel’s international airport, marking the second such attack after the United States commenced a new series of airstrikes against the rebels earlier in the week.

Israel has invested in a sophisticated defense system over the years, which has the capability to detect incoming threats and engage only if the projectile poses a risk to populated areas or important military or civilian sites. Although Israeli officials acknowledge that the system is not foolproof, they attribute it to averting significant damage and numerous casualties.

Here’s a closer look at Israel’s multilayered air-defense system:

The Arrow

This system developed with the U.S. is designed to intercept long-range missiles. The Arrow, which operates outside the atmosphere, has been used to intercept long-range missiles launched by the Houthis as well as those launched by Iran during two direct exchanges of fire last year.

David’s Sling

Also developed with the U.S., David’s Sling is meant to intercept medium-range missiles, such as those possessed by Hezbollah in Lebanon. It has been deployed on multiple occasions throughout the war.

Iron Dome

This system, developed by Israel with U.S. backing, specializes in shooting down short-range rockets. It has intercepted thousands of rockets since it was activated early last decade — including volleys launched by Hamas and Hezbollah during the current war. Israel says it has a success rate of over 90%.

Iron Beam

Israel is developing a new system to intercept incoming threats with laser technology. Israel has said this system will be a game changer because it would be much cheaper to operate than existing systems. According to Israeli media reports, the cost of a single Iron Dome interception is about $50,000, while the other systems can run more than $2 million per missile. Iron Beam interceptions, by contrast, would cost a few dollars apiece, according to Israeli officials — but the system is not yet operational.

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