The IDF’s preemptive strike against the existential Iranian threat to the State of Israel is not only an impressive example of offensive capabilities, but also a notable demonstration of outstanding performance in defending against simultaneous attacks by hundreds of ballistic missiles and UAV swarms—despite the severe human and material losses.
The destructive potential of Iranian ballistic missiles is immense. These are missiles that travel along a trajectory above the atmosphere, some featuring maneuverable reentry vehicles, most with warheads weighing 500 kg or more. Furthermore, due to their high velocity during descent, they accumulate significant kinetic energy, and upon impact generate blast waves and shockwaves that cause major damage in addition to the explosive payload.
The State of Israel possesses some of the world’s most advanced defensive capabilities against such threats, including multilayered air defense systems. It is difficult to overstate the success of the IDF’s offensive and the ability to conduct a multi-front war without these layers of protection.
Israel’s air defense umbrella includes:
Iron Dome, which intercepts short-range rockets and missiles (up to 120 km) by detonating a warhead near the target.
David’s Sling, which intercepts cruise missiles and medium-range rockets and missiles (250–300 km) through direct hits.
Arrow 2, which intercepts long-range ballistic missiles (1,500 km) within the atmosphere.
Arrow 3, a two-stage interceptor with a maneuverable kill vehicle using vector propulsion, which intercepts long-range ballistic missiles (up to 3,000 km) outside the atmosphere via direct impact.
THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense), deployed in Israel, intercepts short- and medium-range ballistic missiles at altitudes of up to 150 km. It includes a fire control center and a powerful radar that detects and identifies targets up to 2,500–3,000 km away, including during the boost phase of missile launches.
The ground-based defense layers are reinforced at sea by the C-Dome, a naval interception system with similar characteristics to Iron Dome, deployed on Sa’ar 6-class missile ships. It protects strategic maritime assets and successfully intercepted a UAV in the Red Sea area in April 2024.
A new and significant addition to Israel’s defensive layers is the high-powered laser system "Magen Or" ("Light Shield"), which has already carried out dozens of operational UAV interceptions during its current development phase and is expected to expand its capabilities to intercept rockets and other threats at various ranges.
All these layers are synchronized with a command and control system that determines, based on physical parameters, the optimal interceptor and prioritizes targeting hostile threats with the highest potential to harm strategic assets or civilian population centers.
One cannot help but be impressed by the air defense forces' ability to efficiently block the penetration of UAV swarms or individual drones. The interception systems’ success rate against hundreds of explosive-laden ballistic missiles launched toward Israel on Saturday morning and evening stands at approximately 95%. It is impossible to achieve a completely hermetic aerial defense against simultaneous barrages of UAVs and ballistic missiles. Indeed, the Iranian attacks have resulted in casualties and significant property damage. However, far greater destruction was prevented and many lives were saved thanks to the effectiveness of the defense systems and the public’s adherence to Home Front Command guidelines.
The IDF’s preemptive strike against the existential Iranian threat to the State of Israel is not only an impressive example of offensive capabilities, but also a notable demonstration of outstanding performance in defending against simultaneous attacks by hundreds of ballistic missiles and UAV swarms—despite the severe human and material losses.
The destructive potential of Iranian ballistic missiles is immense. These are missiles that travel along a trajectory above the atmosphere, some featuring maneuverable reentry vehicles, most with warheads weighing 500 kg or more. Furthermore, due to their high velocity during descent, they accumulate significant kinetic energy, and upon impact generate blast waves and shockwaves that cause major damage in addition to the explosive payload.
The State of Israel possesses some of the world’s most advanced defensive capabilities against such threats, including multilayered air defense systems. It is difficult to overstate the success of the IDF’s offensive and the ability to conduct a multi-front war without these layers of protection.
Israel’s air defense umbrella includes:
Iron Dome, which intercepts short-range rockets and missiles (up to 120 km) by detonating a warhead near the target.
David’s Sling, which intercepts cruise missiles and medium-range rockets and missiles (250–300 km) through direct hits.
Arrow 2, which intercepts long-range ballistic missiles (1,500 km) within the atmosphere.
Arrow 3, a two-stage interceptor with a maneuverable kill vehicle using vector propulsion, which intercepts long-range ballistic missiles (up to 3,000 km) outside the atmosphere via direct impact.
THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense), deployed in Israel, intercepts short- and medium-range ballistic missiles at altitudes of up to 150 km. It includes a fire control center and a powerful radar that detects and identifies targets up to 2,500–3,000 km away, including during the boost phase of missile launches.
The ground-based defense layers are reinforced at sea by the C-Dome, a naval interception system with similar characteristics to Iron Dome, deployed on Sa’ar 6-class missile ships. It protects strategic maritime assets and successfully intercepted a UAV in the Red Sea area in April 2024.
A new and significant addition to Israel’s defensive layers is the high-powered laser system "Magen Or" ("Light Shield"), which has already carried out dozens of operational UAV interceptions during its current development phase and is expected to expand its capabilities to intercept rockets and other threats at various ranges.
All these layers are synchronized with a command and control system that determines, based on physical parameters, the optimal interceptor and prioritizes targeting hostile threats with the highest potential to harm strategic assets or civilian population centers.
One cannot help but be impressed by the air defense forces' ability to efficiently block the penetration of UAV swarms or individual drones. The interception systems’ success rate against hundreds of explosive-laden ballistic missiles launched toward Israel on Saturday morning and evening stands at approximately 95%. It is impossible to achieve a completely hermetic aerial defense against simultaneous barrages of UAVs and ballistic missiles. Indeed, the Iranian attacks have resulted in casualties and significant property damage. However, far greater destruction was prevented and many lives were saved thanks to the effectiveness of the defense systems and the public’s adherence to Home Front Command guidelines.