What is Iron Dome? Israel's first line of defense as Iran rains missiles in couterstrike

The buildup of tensions in West Asia erupted on Saturday morning as multiple explosions thundered across Tehran, with the United States and Israel launching coordinated daylight strikes on the Iranian capital.

The offensive was aimed at deterring the Ayatollah Ali Khamenei-led regime from advancing its nuclear ambitions. In what appeared to be preparation for a decisive confrontation, Washington named its military campaign “Operation Epic Fury,” while Israel called its offensive “Operation Lion’s Roar.”

Hours after the strikes, Iran’s paramilitary Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it launched a “first wave” of drones and missiles targeting Israel.

The force had earlier vowed retaliation if attacked, warning that American military personnel and bases across the region could also be targeted.Explosions were heard across Israel as air defence systems worked to intercept incoming Iranian missiles. There was no immediate word on damage or casualties from the unfolding attack.As Iranian missiles streaked toward Israeli cities, much of the country’s defence relied on its multi-layered air shield, including the widely known Iron Dome system, designed to detect, track and intercept incoming rockets and drones in real time.

Interceptions flashed across the night sky as air defence batteries engaged targets mid-air, preventing many of the projectiles from reaching populated areas.What exactly is Iron Dome?According to a report by the US Congressional Research Service, Iron Dome is a mobile anti-rocket, anti-mortar and anti-artillery defence system capable of intercepting projectiles fired from distances ranging between 2.5 and 43 miles, or roughly 4 to 70 kilometres.

Once a launch is detected, the system relays data about the projectile’s trajectory to a central command-and-control unit.

Iron Dome operates through a network of batteries equipped with radar systems that detect incoming short-range rockets and calculate interception paths. US defence major Raytheon, which co-produces the system with Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, says each battery typically includes three or four launchers, up to 20 interceptor missiles per launcher, and a radar unit.As of 2021, Israel reportedly had at least 10 Iron Dome batteries deployed nationwide, each designed to protect roughly 60 square miles of populated territory.When was Iron Dome first deployed?Development of Iron Dome began in 2007. After a series of successful tests in 2008 and 2009, the first operational batteries were deployed in 2011. Israel formally activated the system in April 2011, and it has been used repeatedly in conflict situations since then.How does Iron Dome work?The system’s radar detects an incoming rocket within range and immediately transmits data about its speed and trajectory to the command-and-control centre. The control unit calculates the likely impact point and determines whether the projectile threatens a populated area.If the rocket is projected to hit an inhabited zone, an interceptor missile is launched to destroy it mid-air. If it is expected to land in an open field or at sea, the system does not engage, conserving costly interceptor missiles.

Israeli authorities say all interceptions occur within Israeli airspace.What does Iron Dome cost?Each interceptor missile is estimated to cost between $40,000 and $50,000, according to the Institute for National Security Studies. The United States has provided significant financial backing for the system, contributing to development and replenishing interceptor stocks during major conflicts.Former US President Joe Biden had previously said he would seek $14.3 billion in military aid for Israel, stating: “We’re surging additional military assistance, including ammunition and interceptors to replenish Iron Dome.”Who developed Iron Dome?Iron Dome was developed by Israel’s state-owned Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, with substantial technical and financial support from the United States, including partnership with Raytheon.How is Iron Dome different from other air defence systems?Unlike strategic missile defence systems designed to intercept long-range ballistic missiles at high altitudes, Iron Dome focuses on short-range, low-altitude, unguided rockets. These are typically the kinds of projectiles fired by militant groups from nearby territories, requiring rapid detection and quick interception over relatively short distances.Iron Dome forms the lowest tier of Israel’s multi-layered air defence network, complementing higher-altitude systems built to counter more advanced missile threats. Thick plumes of smoke rose over Tehran after the first wave of strikes, hanging over parts of the capital as sirens and emergency vehicles moved through the streets. Iran soon responded, launching retaliatory missile attacks against Israel.Several hospitals in Israel also activated emergency protocols, shifting patients and critical procedures to underground facilities as a precaution.US embassies and consulates in Qatar, United Arab Emirates and Israel advised staff to shelter in place, urging American citizens to “do the same until further notice.”In Iran, amoke was seen rising from Tehran’s Pasteur district, home to Khamenei’s residence, as security forces mounted a heavy deployment across the capital.

The attacks came after US President Donald Trump had expressed frustration with Iran’s position in negotiations over its nuclear and missile programmes. Trump said Washington's goal was "eliminating imminent threats" from Iran, and Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the operation was to remove an "existential threat". "We are going to destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground. It will be totally, again, obliterated. We're going to annihilate their navy," Trump said.