Why is it in the News?

Israel for the first time used a seaborne missile defense system to shoot down a drone approaching from the Red Sea that had set off sirens in the port city of Eilat.

What is the C-Dome Defense System?

• The C-Dome is a naval version of Israel's Iron Dome air defense system, designed to protect against rocket and missile attacks.
• Drawing from Iron Dome's technology, C-Dome shares its 90% effectiveness rate and utilizes radars to detect and destroy short-range rockets with its missiles.

Operational Deployment and Integration:

• First unveiled in 2014 and declared operational in 2022, the C-Dome is mounted on Sa'ar 6-class corvettes and German-made warships.
• It employs the same interceptor as the Iron Dome but differs in its integration with the ship's radar for target detection, ensuring full-circular vessel protection.

Combatting Modern Threats:

• C-Dome's primary objective is to counter a wide range of modern maritime and coastal threats with high kill probability.
• Its successful deployment and performance underscore its pivotal role in safeguarding Israel's naval interests and assets against evolving security challenges.

About Iron Dome:

• Developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Israel Aerospace Industries, the Iron Dome is a cutting-edge air missile defense system that offers protection against short-range rockets by intercepting them above Israeli territory.
• With its multi-rocket handling capacity, Iron Dome became operational in 2011 and features:
  • All-weather capabilities for day and night functionality
  • Launching versatility with various interceptor missiles
  • A range of approximately 40 miles
  • Portable design for deployment on ships or land
  • Adaptive defense through reloadable interceptors

Iron Dome consists of three key elements:

• • Radar system for detecting incoming rockets
  • Command-and-control mechanism to evaluate threat levels
  • Interceptors are designed to neutralize incoming rockets before impact
• These components work in tandem to provide Israel with a robust and reliable defense against aerial threats.