Israeli missile defense network to be completed by 2015

Israeli missile defense network to be completed by 2015

2010-11-16 01:37:42 GMT+7 (ICT)

JERUSALEM, ISRAEL (BNO NEWS) -- Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Monday announced that the Israeli multi-layered air defense network which combines short-range rocket interceptors with kamikaze satellites that blow up ballistic missiles in space, will be completed and fully operational by 2015.

The Iron Dome uses sophisticated radar to track incoming missiles, intercept and destroy them away from its targets. It is the only system of its kind in the world. The production schedule corresponds to Israel’s assessment of when Iran might develop nuclear weaponry.

The missile defense system is planned to protect Israeli civilians from homemade and imported missiles fired by Palestinian militants in Gaza, as well as the more sophisticated rockets in the hands of Hezbollah followers in the border with Lebanon.

"In the next two to five years, we will turn this vision into a reality," Colonel Zvika Haimovitch of the Israeli air defense corps said. "Within the coming five years, we will see this doctrine implemented."

The Iron Dome will include the new intercepting missile of the Arrow system, considered more accurate than previous missiles. Israel’s Arrow interceptor has been operational for over a decade and is designed to knock out Iranian or Syrian ballistic missiles at high altitudes.

Palestinian militants in Gaza have fired thousands of homemade rockets at Israel's border settlements causing few casualties. Israel launched a fierce three-week attack on Gaza in December 2008 causing the death of about 1,000 civilians.

In the absence of reliable air defenses, Israel can be hit by as many as 13,000 rockets and missiles. The Tel Aviv area alone could expect to be the target of 1,500 strikes, enough to damage military headquarters, economy and morale.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2010-11-16