Israel’s Naval Iron Dome System Step Closer to Full Operational Capability
Israel’s naval Iron Dome air defense system is a step closer to achieving full operational capability on its Sa’ar 6-class corvettes after successfully completing a series of tests, the country’s Ministry of Defense announced.
Dubbed the “C-Dome,” the system reportedly demonstrated its “exceptional” capability in intercepting and neutralizing dangers to Jerusalem’s strategic assets and infrastructure.
A series of comprehensive trials were conducted, including a simulation of existing and future threats that the Sa’ars could face in battle.
Such threats include rockets, cruise missiles, and drones, the defense ministry explained.
Another step towards achieving final operational capability of the "Naval Iron Dome" aboard the Israeli Navy’s Sa'ar 6-class corvettes: The IMOD, IDF & Rafael successfully complete a series of multi-system & multi-tier tests using the C-Dome, the naval version of the Iron Dome. pic.twitter.com/3nvJblfYl3
— Ministry of Defense (@Israel_MOD) May 29, 2023
Rafael Vice President Ran Gozali said the success of the latest live-fire trials constituted another technological breakthrough in the field of missile defense.
“We are proud of our role in supporting the development of the Israeli Navy’s operational capabilities and of the Israel Defense Forces in general,” he said. “We continue striving towards executing our mission of ensuring technological excellence and the most capable defense for the State of Israel.”
‘A Significant Leap Forward’
Rafael’s C-Dome system is designed to protect warships from many modern threats.
It can defeat multiple targets simultaneously through automatic and semi-automatic engagements.
Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant describes the system as “a significant leap forward” in the country’s defense capabilities.
It reportedly helps ensure Israel’s superiority and operational capabilities in the face of growing maritime threats.
“The system’s naval adaptation is part of our advanced multi-tier air and missile defense system,” he said.
“I would like to express my great appreciation for the Directorate for Defense R&D, the IDF [Israeli Defense Force], and Rafael, for turning a tech vision into reality.”
Watch the amazing video 👇🏻
Video Credit: Israeli Ministry of Defense pic.twitter.com/EIaoPSh33L
— Rafael Advanced Defense Systems (@RAFAELdefense) May 29, 2023
Present Threats
The advancement comes as Jerusalem continues to face security threats from arch-foes Iran and Syria.
Earlier this year, the Israeli military said the country was attacked by six rockets launched from Syrian territory.
Tehran has also recently alarmed Israel by unveiling what it claims is its first domestically-made hypersonic missile.
