JERUSALEM — In a recent incident, the Israeli military successfully intercepted a missile launched from Yemen early Thursday morning, preventing it from entering Israeli airspace. This event was marked by the sounding of air raid sirens and the noise of interceptors in Jerusalem, although no injuries were reported. The missile launch was claimed by the Houthi rebels, who aimed at Israel’s international airport, marking the second such incident since the U.S. escalated airstrikes against them earlier in the week.
Over the years, Israel has invested in a state-of-the-art defense system to identify potential threats and respond effectively, particularly focusing on projectiles that pose a threat to densely populated areas or important military and civilian infrastructure. Although Israeli officials acknowledge that no system is entirely foolproof, they attribute its deployment to preventing significant harm and saving countless lives.
Here’s an overview of Israel’s comprehensive air defense network:
**The Arrow**
Developed with assistance from the United States, the Arrow system is engineered to counter long-range missile threats. Operating beyond the Earth’s atmosphere, it has been instrumental in neutralizing long-range attacks from both the Houthis and Iran during previous confrontations.
**David’s Sling**
Another collaborative effort with the U.S., David’s Sling targets medium-range missiles akin to those held by Hezbollah in Lebanon. The system has seen deployment multiple times in the ongoing conflict.
**Iron Dome**
Created through a partnership involving Israel and U.S. support, the Iron Dome is tailored for short-range rocket interceptions. Since its inception in the last decade, it has successfully thwarted thousands of rockets, including those fired by Hamas and Hezbollah in the current war. The Iron Dome boasts a success rate exceeding 90%.
**Iron Beam**
Currently under development, the Iron Beam aims to use laser technology to intercept incoming missiles. Israel anticipates that this innovation will drastically reduce operational costs compared to existing systems. Reports suggest that while a single Iron Dome interception costs approximately $50,000, and other systems can exceed $2 million per missile, the Iron Beam’s operation would cost just a few dollars per interception. However, it is not yet ready for deployment.