Air Defense

Iron Dome air-defense system

Also known as
  • Iron Dome
  • Kippat Barzel
  • Iron Dome Defense System
  • Iron Dome Defense System-Army
  • IDDS-A

Iron Dome is an Israeli mobile short-range air-defense system built by Rafael and Israel Aerospace Industries to detect, track, and intercept rockets, artillery threats, and some UAVs before they hit populated areas. Known in Hebrew as Kippat Barzel, it became operational in 2011 and has documented combat use from the 2012 Gaza-Israel Conflict through later Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran-related fighting, including the April 2024 Iran-Israel exchange.

Iron Dome air-defense system, Mobile short-range air-defense system, Air Defense
Image source: Wikimedia Commons IDF Iron Dome 2021

Role in Conflicts

2014 Gaza War
Air DefenseForce Protection
Side
Israel

Used by Israel during the 2014 Gaza War; CSIS says nine Iron Dome batteries were active at the start of the conflict and that the system successfully shot down 735 incoming rockets.

Battery Anatomy

Iron Dome is a battery-level system rather than a single launcher. Open sources describe it as a combination of radar, launchers, command functions, and interceptors that work together to decide which threats are worth engaging.

ComponentReader takeawaySource
System coreThe IDF describes Iron Dome as a compilation of the technology itself, the launch machinery, the soldiers who operate it, and the commanders who supervise the network.16.05.2023 Israel's Life Saving Invention: The Iron Dome | IDF
RadarCSIS identifies the EL/M-2084 multimission radar as the sensor that feeds the battery's engagement decisions.Iron Dome (Israel)
Launcher loadCSIS says each launcher can hold up to 20 Tamir interceptors.Iron Dome (Israel)
Battery compositionCSIS describes a battery as having three or four launchers plus a battle-management system and fire-control radar.Iron Dome (Israel)
Profile / Specs

Profile

Origin
Israel
Type
Mobile short-range air-defense system
Service note
2010s-present
Designer
Rafael Advanced Defense Systems / Israel Aerospace Industries
Designed
2007
Unit cost
About US$50 million per battery (reported).
Produced
2011-present

Specifications

Interceptor
Tamir interceptor
Battery composition
Battery with 3-4 launchers plus battle-management system and fire-control radar
Launcher load
Up to 20 Tamir interceptors per launcher
Engagement range
Up to about 70 km against short-range aerial threats
Radar
EL/M-2084 multi-mission radar
Variants

Iron Dome names the land-based battery family; official manufacturer and partner material also describes shipboard and U.S.-producible family configurations.

VariantConfigurationDesignation notes
C-DomeNaval Iron Dome configuration

Rafael material presents C-Dome as the shipboard member of the Iron Dome family for naval air defense, and Rafael says the system made its first combat interception from an Israeli Navy Sa'ar 6 corvette in April 2024.

Sources: IRON DOME Family brochure, C-DOME First Combat Interception

SkyHunterU.S.-producible Iron Dome version

RTX says Raytheon and Rafael introduced SkyHunter as a system based on Iron Dome that can be produced in the United States for the U.S. and allied customers; later RTX reporting ties U.S. Tamir and SkyHunter production to the Marine Corps MRIC program.

Sources: RTX Iron Dome System and SkyHunter Missile, R2S Tamir Production Contract

Launched Interceptors

Iron Dome batteries fire Tamir interceptors.

AmmunitionAmmunition typeFiring evidence
Tamir interceptor, Short-range surface-to-air interceptor missile, Air DefenseTamir interceptorInterceptor missile

CSIS describes Iron Dome launchers as carrying up to 20 Tamir interceptors, and Rafael identifies Tamir as the interceptor missile inside the Iron Dome family.

Sources: Iron Dome (Israel), IRON DOME Family brochure

Calculator

Ready Interceptor Loadout

Launchers3
Ready interceptors60
Average per launcher20.0
Loadout value$3,000,000
Tamir interceptor3 launchers100%100%

Cost inputs are editable estimates. The default Tamir price uses CBS News reporting that interceptors cost about $40,000-$50,000 each, while CSIS reports up to 20 interceptors per launcher. The battery-level system cost is reported separately in open-source reporting.

Timeline

Iron Dome air-defense system Key Events

  1. Development begins

    CSIS says Israel began developing Iron Dome in 2007, launching the program that would produce the Tamir interceptor and the first operational batteries.

    Sources: Iron Dome (Israel)

  2. First battery deployed

    The Jerusalem Post reported that the first Iron Dome battery was deployed near Beersheba in March 2011 and intercepted a rocket days later.

    Sources: Ukraine considers buying the Iron Dome - report

  3. First major wartime use

    The IDF says Iron Dome's first operational use came during Operation Pillar of Defense in 2012, when more than 400 rockets were intercepted.

    Sources: 16.05.2023 Israel's Life Saving Invention: The Iron Dome | IDF

  4. Interception tally passes 1,200

    An IDF explainer said that by October 2014 Iron Dome had intercepted more than 1,200 rockets, showing how quickly the system had moved from first deployment to repeated combat use.

    Sources: Could the Iron Dome Protect You One Day? | IDF

  5. Azerbaijan purchase reported

    CSIS Missile Threat reported that Azerbaijan's defense industry minister confirmed an Iron Dome purchase from Israel, while noting that the number of batteries was not disclosed.

    Sources: Azerbaijan Purchases Iron Dome System from Israel

  6. U.S. Army procurement agreement

    The U.S. Army says the United States and Israel signed an August 2019 agreement for two Iron Dome Defense System-Army batteries as an interim defense against cruise missiles, UAVs, rockets, artillery, and mortars.

    Sources: Army executes Iron Dome Defense System live fire at White Sands Missile Range

  7. U.S. Army live-fire testing

    At White Sands Missile Range, U.S. Army soldiers from 3-43 ADA used the acquired IDDS-A system to engage eight cruise-missile surrogate targets during coordinated performance and live-fire testing.

    Sources: Army executes Iron Dome Defense System live fire at White Sands Missile Range

  8. U.S. systems sent to Israel

    The U.S. Defense Department said the United States was sending two U.S. Iron Dome systems to Israel to bolster air-defense capabilities and civilian protection after the October 2023 attacks.

    Sources: U.S. Military Continues Focus on Supporting Israel, Ukraine

  9. C-Dome combat interception

    Rafael said C-Dome, the naval Iron Dome configuration on Israeli Navy Sa'ar 6 corvettes, made its first combat interception of a hostile target at sea in April 2024.

    Sources: C-DOME First Combat Interception

  10. U.S. Tamir and SkyHunter production contract

    RTX said R2S received a US$1.25 billion contract for Tamir production in Camden, Arkansas, supporting Iron Dome and SkyHunter missiles for the Marine Corps MRIC program.

    Sources: R2S Tamir Production Contract

Service And Export Context

Iron Dome remains primarily associated with Israeli air defense, but open sources also document U.S. interim procurement, Marine Corps integration of Iron Dome components, and limited export reporting.

ContextStatusSource-backed note
IsraelPrimary operatorRTX describes ten Iron Dome batteries protecting Israeli citizens and infrastructure, with each battery using launchers, radar, and Tamir interceptors.
U.S. Army IDDS-AInterim procurementThe U.S. Army says two Iron Dome Defense System-Army batteries were acquired under an August 2019 U.S.-Israel agreement and delivered for testing before live-fire work at White Sands.
U.S. Marine Corps MRICIntegrated componentsMarine Corps Systems Command says MRIC incorporates technology from Iron Dome, while RTX later tied Tamir and SkyHunter production to the MRIC program.
AzerbaijanReported purchaseCSIS reported a confirmed purchase statement from Azerbaijan's defense industry minister, but did not identify the number of batteries or document combat use.
C-DomeNaval family memberRafael identifies C-Dome as the naval version of Iron Dome and says it achieved its first combat interception from an Israeli Navy Sa'ar 6 corvette in April 2024.
Media

Iron Dome air-defense system Videos

Iron Dome air-defense system Images

Iron Dome air-defense system, Mobile short-range air-defense system, Air Defense - view 1
Source: Wikimedia Commons Operation Breaking Dawn IX
Iron Dome air-defense system, Mobile short-range air-defense system, Air Defense - view 2
Source: Wikimedia Commons Iron Dome Our IDF 2018
Related Weapon Systems
Stunner interceptor, Missile interceptor, Air DefenseAir DefenseStunner interceptorMissile interceptorThe Stunner interceptor is the two-stage hit-to-kill missile fired by David's Sling, Israel's mid-tier air and missile-defense layer co-developed by Rafael and Raytheon. CSIS describes the missile as using radar datalink updates and onboard terminal seekers, while RTX markets SkyCeptor as a Stunner-family variant for short- to medium-range missile-defense threats. Source-backed operational use is documented in Gaza-related interceptions and the post-October 2023 Israel-Hezbollah fighting.

Sources

Iron Dome (Israel)Publisher: CSIS Missile Threat | Note: Supports system background and specifications including battery composition, launcher load, engagement range, and radar components; directly supports 2014 Gaza War and 2021 Israel-Palestine Crisis use by describing Iron Dome intercept activity and Tamir replenishment context. | Accessed: 2026-07-01IRON DOME Family brochurePublisher: Rafael Advanced Defense Systems | Note: Supports manufacturer background for the Iron Dome family and official system context from the prime contractor. | Accessed: 2026-07-01RTX Iron Dome System and SkyHunter MissilePublisher: RTX / Raytheon | Note: Supports Iron Dome and SkyHunter manufacturer-partner context, U.S. producibility, battery structure, Tamir range, and system background, including the count of ten Israeli batteries stated by RTX. | Accessed: 2026-07-02Ukraine considers buying the Iron Dome - reportPublisher: The Jerusalem Post | Note: Supports reporting that the first Iron Dome battery was deployed near Beersheba in March 2011 and intercepted a rocket days later. | Accessed: 2026-07-0116.05.2023 Israel's Life Saving Invention: The Iron Dome | IDFPublisher: Israel Defense Forces | Note: Supports the Hebrew alias Kippat Barzel and the IDF's account that Iron Dome first saw operational use in Operation Pillar of Defense in 2012. | Accessed: 2026-07-01Clear Skies Ahead: Meet the Soldiers of the Iron DomePublisher: Israel Defense Forces | Note: 2012 Gaza-Israel Conflict: directly supports Iron Dome use by Israel during Operation Pillar of Defense and says Iron Dome soldiers intercepted more than 400 rockets in the eight-day conflict. | Accessed: 2026-07-01Could the Iron Dome Protect You One Day? | IDFPublisher: Israel Defense Forces | Note: Supports the 2011 operational entry of Iron Dome in Beer Sheva and the IDF's later tally of more than 1,200 intercepted rockets by October 2014. | Accessed: 2026-07-01Iron Dome, the star of the Gaza war, proves a tough sell abroadPublisher: The Jerusalem Post | Note: Supports open reporting that an Iron Dome battery costs roughly US$50 million and consists of radar, command room, and missile launchers. | Accessed: 2026-07-01How Israel's Iron Dome intercepts rockets - CBS NewsPublisher: CBS News | Note: Supports Tamir interceptor cost estimates of about US$40,000-$50,000 each. | Accessed: 2026-07-01ReutersConnect Iron Dome intercepts Gaza rockets May 2021Publisher: Reuters | Note: 2021 Israel-Palestine Crisis: directly supports Iron Dome use by Israel to intercept rockets launched from Gaza as seen from Ashkelon on May 11, 2021. | Accessed: 2026-07-01ReutersConnect Iron Dome intercepts Gaza rockets May 2023Publisher: Reuters | Note: May 2023 Israel-Gaza Conflict: directly supports Iron Dome use by Israel to intercept rockets launched from Gaza in Sderot on May 10, 2023. | Accessed: 2026-07-01Daily Recap: Hamas - Israel War October 15th, 2023 (18:00)Publisher: Israel Defense Forces | Note: Supports 2023 Israel-Hamas War use: Iron Dome was fielded by Israel and continued intercepting rockets fired at Israeli towns and cities during the 2023 Israel-Hamas War. | Accessed: 2026-07-02Swords of Iron - The Northern FrontPublisher: Israel Defense Forces | Note: 2023 Israel-Hezbollah Conflict: fielded by Israel; IDF says Hezbollah launched rockets and UAVs after October 2023 and that Iron Dome successfully intercepted most projectiles after Hezbollah's August 25, 2024 rocket and UAV attack. | Accessed: 2026-07-02Hezbollah UAV Intercepted by Iron Dome Over Northern IsraelPublisher: Israel Defense Forces | Note: 2023 Israel-Hezbollah Conflict: fielded by Israel; IDF says Iron Dome intercepted a UAV that crossed from Lebanon in the maritime area of northern Israel on January 19, 2024. | Accessed: 2026-07-02AP Iran April 2024 Iron Dome LaunchPublisher: AP News | Note: 2024 Iran-Israel Exchange: directly supports Iron Dome use by Israel with AP imagery captioning an Iron Dome launch in central Israel on April 14, 2024 to intercept missiles fired from Iran. | Accessed: 2026-07-02What Is Israel's Multi-Layered Defense Against Iranian Missiles?Publisher: Asharq Al-Awsat / Reuters | Note: 2025 Israel-Iran Conflict: used by Israel; Reuters-captioned imagery says Iron Dome intercepted a missile launched from Iran during the Iran-Israel conflict as seen from Ashkelon on June 20, 2025. | Accessed: 2026-07-01Army executes Iron Dome Defense System live fire at White Sands Missile RangePublisher: U.S. Army | Note: Supports U.S. Army IDDS-A procurement, 2020 delivery, White Sands live-fire testing, and interim cruise-missile-defense context. | Accessed: 2026-07-02U.S. Military Continues Focus on Supporting Israel, UkrainePublisher: U.S. Department of Defense | Note: Supports the October 2023 U.S. statement that two U.S. Iron Dome systems were being sent to Israel to bolster air defense and protect citizens from rocket attacks. | Accessed: 2026-07-02Marine Corps successfully tests Medium Range Intercept Capability prototypePublisher: Marine Corps Systems Command | Note: Supports MRIC integration of Iron Dome components and Tamir missiles during Marine Corps live-fire prototype testing. | Accessed: 2026-07-02R2S Tamir Production ContractPublisher: RTX | Note: Supports U.S. Tamir and SkyHunter production context for Iron Dome and the Marine Corps MRIC program. | Accessed: 2026-07-02Azerbaijan Purchases Iron Dome System from IsraelPublisher: CSIS Missile Threat | Note: Supports reported Azerbaijani purchase context while leaving battery count, delivery status, and operational use unspecified. | Accessed: 2026-07-02C-DOME First Combat InterceptionPublisher: Rafael Advanced Defense Systems | Note: Supports C-Dome as the naval version of Iron Dome on Israeli Navy Sa'ar 6 corvettes and Rafael's April 2024 first-combat-interception statement. | Accessed: 2026-07-02Wikimedia Commons IDF Iron Dome 2021Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Image provenance and licensing page for the primary Iron Dome launcher image, credited to the IDF Spokesperson's Unit and licensed CC BY-SA 3.0. | Accessed: 2026-07-01Wikimedia Commons Operation Breaking Dawn IXPublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Image provenance page for a Tamir interceptor launch photograph credited to the IDF Spokesperson's Unit with VRT permission and CC BY-SA 3.0 licensing on Wikimedia Commons. | Accessed: 2026-07-02Wikimedia Commons Iron Dome Our IDF 2018Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Image provenance and licensing page for an Iron Dome photograph credited to Zachi Evenor/MathKnight with Flickr review and CC BY 2.0 provenance. | Accessed: 2026-07-02