47,000 euros per shot

“Iron Dome”: how Israel’s missile defense works

Two batteries of the Israeli missile defense system "Iron Dome"(Bild: APA/AFP/Jack Guez)

For more than ten years, Israel has had one of the most powerful air defense systems in the world. With the "Iron Dome," the country, which is threatened from all sides, has developed a highly effective defense system against the rocket terror of Hamas and Hezbollah, which has already saved many lives – and is also playing a role in the current preventive strike against Iran.

Israel's arms industry is world-renowned for its modern weapon systems. With the Arrow 3 long-range air defense missile, designed to defend against intercontinental missiles, the country of 9.3 million will also contribute a central component of the Sky Shield air defense system, which 15 European countries – including Austria – will use to protect their airspace in the future. But how do Israeli defense systems work? A look at the background.