US will build Iron Dome missile shield, says Donald Trump

"He's what we need, to immediately begin the construction of a state-of-the-art Iron Dome missile defense shield, which will be able to protect Americans," Trump was quoted as saying by Fox News during the Republican dinner in Florida.

"And now we have phenomenal technology. You see that with Israel," Trump continued. "So I think the United States is entitled to that. And everything will be made right here in the USA 100%."

Israel's Iron Dome protection system was operated several times during the conflict with Hamas since the October 7, 2023 attack.

The efficiency of the system was also observed during the October 2024 Iranian strikes on Israel.

The Iron Dome, a ground-to-air short-range air defence system, was developed by Rafael Advanced Defence Systems, a government-owned arms company located in the northern city of Haifa. It also receives partial funding from the United States, which allocated $5 billion towards its development in 2016.

Since its inception in 2011, the Iron Dome has played a crucial role in Israel's defence strategy, a cornerstone of the US-Israeli alliance that has been upheld by successive Democratic and Republican administrations. In August 2019, the US Army entered into an agreement to acquire two Iron Dome batteries, bolstering its own capabilities in short-range missile defence.

Apart from the Iron Dome, Israel possesses other missile defence systems like the Arrow, designed to counter ballistic missiles, and David's Sling, which addresses medium-range rocket or missile threats.

How does Iron Dome work?

The Iron Dome system is designed to disperse in a spread-out arrangement. Each launcher, equipped with 20 interceptors, is autonomously deployed and operated through a secure wireless link. It is reported that a single Iron Dome battery can safeguard an urban region of around 150 square km.

Each battery includes a radar system for detection and tracking, a control system for firing, and three launchers accommodating 20 interceptor missiles.

The mobility of the batteries allows them to be relocated to areas as needed. This weapon system has been engineered to counter less advanced, shorter-range weaponry like the rockets, mortars, artillery shells, and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) at short range launched from Gaza.

When a rocket is heading towards a populated area or a critical facility, the launcher initiates the Tamir Missile, intercepting and destroying the rocket in mid-air to eliminate the danger. A battery typically includes three to four launchers, and there are at least 10 in Israel’s arsenal.

The manufacturer of the Iron Dome system, Rafael Advanced Defence System, asserts that it has achieved a success rate of 90 percent, with over 2,000 interceptions recorded so far.