Iron Dome, Arrow, David's Sling: How Has Iran Penetrated Israel's Famed Air Defence Systems?
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Although Israeli figures suggest these penetrations are limited in success rate, they have raised questions about the vulnerabilities of even the most advanced air defence networks
Despite possessing one of the world's most sophisticated and multi-layered air defence systems, Israel has experienced breaches by some of Iran's missiles in the recent conflict escalation.
Although Israeli figures suggest these penetrations are limited in success rate, they have raised questions about the vulnerabilities of even the most advanced air defence networks when confronted with a determined and tactically diverse opponent.
Saturation attacks
Iran has primarily challenged Israel's aerial defences through saturation attacks, launching numerous missiles and drones in waves. Israel's defence system consists of several tiers: the Iron Dome for short-range rockets, David's Sling for medium-range missiles and cruise missiles, and the Arrow 2 and Arrow 3 systems for long-range ballistic missiles, intercepting them at higher altitudes or even in space.
While each system boasts high interception rates for their intended targets, the sheer number of projectiles can overwhelm even the most robust defense. By firing hundreds of projectiles simultaneously, Iran aims to deplete Israel's interceptor missiles and create gaps in its defensive shield, allowing some projectiles to penetrate.
Attack diversity
Additionally, Iran has utilised a diverse array of projectiles with varying flight characteristics, complicating interception efforts. These include a large number of slower, low-flying drones that serve to distract or saturate defences, as well as faster, higher-flying ballistic missiles.
The combination of different speeds and flight paths creates a multidimensional threat that can confuse and overtax air defence coordination.
Advanced tactics
Reports have also indicated Iran's use of more technologically advanced missiles and tactics. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed to employ a novel technique where missiles are guided in a manner that causes Israeli interceptor missiles to target each other, effectively confusing Israel's integrated defence system.
While the exact details of this 'spoofing" tactic are not fully disclosed, it suggests an attempt to exploit potential weaknesses in the target acquisition and engagement logic of Israel's interceptors. Some Iranian missiles are believed to employ manoeuvrable re-entry vehicles (MaRV) or release decoys, further complicating interception by making their trajectories unpredictable.
Air defence costs
The sheer cost and finite supply of interceptors for Israel's defence systems also play a role. While systems like Iron Dome have a relatively lower cost per interceptor, the more advanced Arrow and David's Sling interceptors are significantly more expensive. A prolonged, high-volume assault by Iran forces Israel to expend these valuable munitions rapidly, potentially leading to a strain on their inventory over time.
This economic attrition can influence defensive decisions, as Israel may choose not to intercept projectiles assessed to be heading for unpopulated areas, effectively 'leaking" some missiles by design to conserve resources.
Leakage rate
Finally, while Israel's defence systems are among the world's best, no system is entirely impenetrable. Even with high interception rates (Israel has stated 80-90% for ballistic missiles), a 5-10% 'leakage" rate on a massive volley can still result in numerous impacts, especially when targeting densely populated civilian areas or critical military infrastructure like the Kirya compound in Tel Aviv, which has seen 'significant damage."
This inherent limitation, coupled with Iran's evolving missile capabilities and tactical sophistication, has allowed Tehran to achieve some level of penetration, inflicting damage and underscoring the formidable challenge posed by large-scale, multi-faceted missile attacks.
News explainers Iron Dome, Arrow, David's Sling: How Has Iran Penetrated Israel's Famed Air Defence Systems?
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