Israel’s Iron Dome Missile System: How Does It Work? – SlashGear

Even though the Tamir interceptor is its primary defense projectile, the system comes armed with a “a first-of-its-kind multi-mission launcher” that can launch different types of interceptor missiles. The Tamir interceptor — a majority of whose components are sourced from Raytheon in the U.S. — features proximity fuze blast warheads steered via fins and electro-optical sensors.

Rafael says it can intercept “C-RAM, Cruise Missiles, Precise Guided Missiles (PGM), UAVs, Air Breathing Threats (ABTs) and dense salvos.” Tamir can be fired from both mobile points — like a truck — and ground-based launch spots. While the hardware has remained more or less the same, the software powering the system is claimed to have “made tremendous leaps.”

The Tamir interceptor can destroy enemy missiles that come as close as 4 kilometers, and as far away as 70 kilometers. Raytheon says a total of ten batteries have been deployed in Israel. One battery features four launchers and 20 Tamir interceptors in total. Each battery is capable of defending an area of 60 square miles, and they are mounted strategically alongside the city’s defense lines to counter threats.

Rafael claims that the system has a success rate higher than 90%, however, some reports claim that the Iron Dome’s efficacy falls between 80% and 90%. Its maker also notes that the defense system has amassed over 5,000 interceptions, but it’s unclear how recent those figures are. Notably, the Iron Dome only neutralizes threats headed towards strategically important spots or areas with civilian presence.