4. It’s quite compact

Each Iron Dome launcher holds 20 interceptor missiles that each weigh 200 pounds and is 10 feet long. Slender though they are, you wouldn’t guess it from the sound the system emits when a missile is launched, which is more reminiscent of a fighter jet taking off.

5. It covers extensive range

Despite its small size, Iron Dome covers an extensive range of between 2.5 and 40 miles. This means it can intercept rockets launched out of the southern Gaza Strip heading for the border areas and also the area reaching as far away as the outskirts of Haifa, which is much farther north.

6. It’s not the only thing protecting Israel’s skies

Iron Dome protects Israelis from short-range threats such as rockets, but it’s no use when it comes to bigger, more advanced weaponry. Therefore, it’s supplemented by an aerial defense system called David’s Sling, which operates against cruise missiles; and by Arrow, which targets more sophisticated ballistic missiles.

7. The success rate is phenomenal

In Operation Protective Edge in 2014, Iron Dome proved to be highly successful, intercepting 90 percent of fatal rockets. Nowadays, its accuracy is said to be nearer to 95 percent. This means that the combination of Iron Dome protection and following guidelines on how to behave during an attack (rushing to a protected space if indoors or lying flat on the ground when outdoors) has saved many, many lives in Israel. In fact, it’s a game changer.

8. It works come rain or shine

Iron Dome can work in all weather conditions, including low clouds, rain, dust storms or fog.

9. It’s pretty costly

One of the criticisms first launched against Iron Dome was that it’s a costly operation. Each battery reportedly costs $100 million dollars, and each interceptor missile around $50,000. All this, while the rockets it detonates only cost a few hundred dollars to produce. And yet, time has shown the huge impact of the system, not only in terms of saving lives but its protection of infrastructure, buildings and the like.

10. It comes accompanied by Color Red alerts

When rockets are launched into Israel, a rocket siren alert called Color Red is blasted throughout the area in danger. The alert announces “Color Red, Color Red” in a tinny female voice, which is then immediately accompanied by the booms of Iron Dome. Together, these noises have become the horrible soundtrack of the week.

11. There’s a land version and a sea version

Iron Dome can protect people and infrastructure on land and at sea. One version can be loaded onto trucks and placed in desired locations near communities or important facilities, while the other can be positioned atop Israel Navy ships to safeguard infrastructure such as offshore gas rigs.

12. The United States also has Iron Domes

After some speculation, the United States confirmed in 2019 that it purchased Iron Dome batteries. According to Israeli media reports, the US purchased two batteries, which it planned on stationing in conflict zones outside of its borders. Britain, meanwhile, has purchased Iron Dome’s control center.

13. It’s award-winning

The anonymous developers of the Iron Dome, who hail from the defense establishment, won the prestigious Israel Defense Prize back in 2012 for their work, only one year after the system came into use.

14. You don’t need a lot of muscle to operate it

According to an interview given by Iron Dome’s developers a few years ago, they created the system with its future possible handlers in mind.

This means that it can be easily operated by an average woman soldier standing 5-foot-2 feet tall and weighing about 100 pounds. And it probably is – all Iron Dome battalions include female soldiers.

15. It was somewhat inspired by a toy car

One of the Iron Dome developers said that to meet schedule and budget requirements, some of the missile components were taken from a toy car he had bought for his son at a local Toys R Us store. A few years later, things came a full circle when an Iron Dome toy car model hit the market.

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