The Defense Ministry and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems have completed a series of trials of the Iron Dome missile defense system against advanced threats, incorporating lessons learned during the war and the operations against Iran.
The trials tested upgrades to the system’s handling of rockets, cruise missiles and drones, as well as improvements for higher rates and volumes of fire. As part of integrating the high-powered laser system Iron Beam, developed as a complementary system to Iron Dome, the trials also rehearsed joint operation through Iron Dome’s command-and-control array.
Officials said the new capabilities mark a step forward in Israel’s readiness for future threats while preserving the military’s strategic edge.
Iron Dome, declared operational in 2011, has intercepted thousands of rockets and aerial threats during the war, preventing casualties and damage to infrastructure.
Rafael is the lead developer of Iron Dome, alongside Israel Aerospace Industries and Rafael’s subsidiary mPrest, and of Iron Beam, alongside Elbit Systems.