Iran’s recent missile barrage has exposed vulnerabilities in Israel’s air defence systems, once considered among the most impenetrable in the world. Despite years of technological advancement, several Iranian ballistic and hypersonic missiles managed to strike key targets, including residential zones and military installations.
Tehran’s Retaliatory Strike
Following Israel’s air raids on Iranian military and nuclear sites, Iran launched around 400 missiles and hundreds of drones in retaliation. These attacks killed at least 24 Israelis and wounded many more. Despite Israel’s active defence networks, several Iranian strikes reached central areas, causing serious damage in cities like Bnei Brak and even striking Tel Aviv’s Kirya military base.
Iron Dome’s Limits
Israel’s Iron Dome system, introduced in 2011, is its first line of defence. It intercepts short-range rockets and artillery, boasting a success rate near 90%. However, this system is not foolproof, especially against large-scale attacks. It primarily targets low-altitude projectiles and can become overwhelmed when faced with dozens of incoming threats at once.
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Multilayered Missile Defence
Israel’s broader defence system includes other layers beyond the Iron Dome. The Barak-8 intercepts medium-range missiles, while David’s Sling handles medium to long-range threats. The Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system is designed for short to intermediate-range ballistic missiles. Yet, even this comprehensive shield struggled against Iran’s newest technology.
Hypersonic Missiles and Swarm Tactics
Experts say Iran used hypersonic missiles, which travel at speeds exceeding Mach 5, to outpace and outmaneuver Israel’s interception systems. These missiles can alter their flight path mid-air, making them harder to predict and intercept. Iran also used drone swarms and ballistic volleys to flood radar and confuse defence algorithms, exploiting delays in reaction times.
Intelligence and Targeting Breakthroughs
Iran claimed to have struck a Mossad operations centre and a military intelligence facility. Such precision suggests upgraded surveillance and targeting capabilities. These breakthroughs indicate a shift in Iran’s military capabilities, marking a new era of regional escalation where high-tech warfare challenges even the strongest defence networks.
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