Abbattere i razzi kassan in volo.

[TT-1 Pinto]

Alla luce dei successi conseguiti ....

 

Israel to order more Iron Dome systems

 

http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2011/04/12/355416/israel-to-order-more-iron-dome-systems.html

 

 

"Operational "Iron Dome" system deployed next to Beer Sheva, Israel (March 2011)"

[TT-1 Pinto]

Sta per essere installata una terza batteria ....

 

DATE: 23/08/11

SOURCE: Flight International

 

Israel to deploy third Iron Dome following more intercepts

 

By Arie Egozi

 

 

The Israeli air force will deploy its third Rafael-produced Iron Dome mobile air defence system in September, the nation's government has announced.

 

Using a current two batteries, the air force has succeeded in intercepting 90% of the BM-21 Grad 122mm and Kassam rockets that have been launched into Israel from the Gaza Strip.

 

They have destroyed 20 rockets that had assumed a trajectory likely to come down on populated areas, while others judged as not posing a risk were ignored.

 

Israel fielded its first Iron Dome near Ashqelon in early April.

 

According to an emergency plan its air force will by the end of 2013 operate nine systems, to intercept short-range rockets and artillery shells.

 

The US administration recently approved a special $205 million budget for the emergency procurement.

 

Each Iron Dome system features a tracking radar, battle management and weapons control unit and a missile firing unit armed with interceptors capable of tackling threats over a range of up to 70km (38nm).

 

These are intended to avoid collateral damage by detonating the target's warhead well away from the defended area.

 

According to foreign sources, Singapore has already purchased the Iron Dome system, with other countries also showing interest following its successful real-life intercepts.

 

Raytheon, on 16 August, announced that it has teamed with Rafael to offer the equipment for use by the US military.

 

"Iron Dome complements other Raytheon weapons that provide intercept capabilities to the US Army's counter rocket, artillery and mortar initiative at forward operating bases," said Mike Booen, vice president of Raytheon missile systems' advanced security and directed energy systems product line.

 

 

Di "Iron Dome" parla, questa mattina, anche il quotidiano "Il Foglio" ....

 

http://www.senato.it/notizie/RassUffStampa/110823/13fgpd.pdf

[-{-Legolas-}-]

Iron Dome in funzione.

 

Sabato scorso i terroristi hanno lanciato una salva di Kassam sul sud d'Israele, dove due batterie di Iron Dome hanno dato prova di se.

 

[TT-1 Pinto]

Altro video ....

 

 

.... e c'è chi passeggia tranquillamente o porta a spasso il cane (nella parte finale del filmato, a sinistra in basso) ....

[Andrea75]

Iron Dome Kills 80% of Targeted Rockets

[Andrea75]

The U.S. Defense Department intends to ask Congress for hundreds of millions of dollars in grant funding to purchase additional Iron Dome rocket and short-range missile intercepting batteries.

[Andrea75]

Israel plans 10 iron-domes for IDF

 

The Israeli Air Force will soon start to retrain reserve forces to man new Iron Dome batteries. According to updated plans, six of the ten planned batteries will utilize the IDF’s reserve forces, and four batteries will employ regular forces.

[Andrea75]

upgrade for Iron Dome

 

Rafael Advanced Defense Systems is developing a more advanced and deadlier variant.

It's expected to be operational by mid-2013. An even more advanced Block 3 model is to follow to boost Israel's growing air-defense shield against everything from Iranian ballistic missiles to short-range unguided rockets.

...

"The upgrade will allow us to additional interception capabilities, along with a variety of improvements that I can't specify.

"Beyond that ... the minute we discover a problem or fault, we fix it and improve immediately, so that if there were to be an escalation tomorrow, we wouldn't have any problems.

"In many cases, waiting until the next version is unveiled in not an option," Ben-Hocher said.

Since Iron Dome's combat debut 14 months ago, the four batteries now deployed have intercepted just over 100 Katyusha and Qassam unguided rockets and 122mm Grads.

[TT-1 Pinto]

Una batteria di missili "Iron Dome" verrà installata nei pressi di Eilat ....

 

Israel To Deploy Rocket Interceptor At Egypt Border ....

Fonte: AW&ST/Reuters .... http://www.aviationweek.com/Article.aspx?id=/article-xml/awx_07_12_2012_p0-475893.xml

[Andrea75]

Eye On Iran And Syria, Israel Hardens Missile Shield

 

Israel is upgrading its Arrow II ballistic missile shield in a U.S.-backed “race” against Iran, Syria and other regional enemies, a senior Israeli defense official said on Sunday.

The new “Block 4” generation of guided interceptor rockets, radars and technologies for synchronizing Arrow with U.S. systems was being installed in deployed Israeli batteries, a process that would take several weeks, the official said.

“The accuracy and the reach will be greater,” the official said of Arrow, which has been operational since 2000 and is designed to blow up incoming missiles at altitudes high enough for non-conventional warheads to disintegrate safely.

“It is part of the technological race in the region,”

[TT-1 Pinto]

IRON DOME .... gli Stati Uniti lo finanziano .... ma ....

 

U.S. Funds Israel’s ‘Iron Dome,’ But Doesn’t (Quite) Know How It Works ....

.... sarebbero curiosi di saperne di più ....

 

Fonte .... http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2012/08/iron-dome-america/

[Andrea75]

Threat and Response: Israeli Missile Defense

 

Today the state of Israel contends with the threat posed by state and non-state actors who possess short and medium range surface-to-surface strike capabilities. Hezbollah and Hamas persistently launch mortar and rocket strikes from southern Lebanon and Gaza. Simultaneously, Iran has significantly increased the quantity and quality of its medium range surface-to-surface missile inventory. These two threat streams have encouraged a fundamental shift in Israel’s defense strategy. This backgrounder will review how Israel has responded to these two threats with what has become a core component of Israeli defense strategy, the world’s first battle-tested, integrated missile defense shield.

Modificato 10 Settembre 2012 da Andrea75

[TT-1 Pinto]

Cresce, negli Stati Uniti, l'interesse per il sistema difensivo israeliano "Iron Dome" .... al punto che taluni esponenti politici vorrebbero indurre il Pentagono a co-produrlo ....

 

Some U.S. Lawmakers Push For Iron Dome Coproduction ....

 

.... in Washington, some House lawmakers are pushing for U.S. coproduction of the interceptor.

This would likely be headed in the U.S. by Raytheon, which coproduces the Stunner missile with Rafael for the longer-range David's Sling defense system.

Fonte .... http://www.aviationweek.com/Article.aspx?id=/article-xml/AW_10_08_2012_p31-502546.xml

 

[TT-1 Pinto]

Rafforzamento ....

 

Israel strengthens Iron Dome missile shield ....

 

By: Arie Egozi (Tel Aviv)

Source: Flight International

 

Rafael and the Israeli air force have successfully tested an upgraded version of the former's Iron Dome interceptor, which is designed to shoot down incoming rockets from increased range. Tested a few days ago, the modification is required, as intelligence data suggest that Hezbollah militants in Lebanon have received longer-range rockets from Iran.

 

The upgraded elements will be incorporated in the Israeli air force's fifth Iron Dome battery, which will become operational very soon. The mobile air defence system is designed to intercept short-range rockets and artillery shells.

 

Rex Features

 

With the growing number of systems now available, the service plans to deploy the equipment not only to defend major towns and cities, but also to protect critical installations. One will be deployed to defend oil refineries in Haifa in northern Israel. The nation's largest port, Haifa came under rocket attack during the second Lebanon war in 2006.

 

In recent months, deployed Iron Dome systems have succeeded in intercepting more than 90% of the BM-21 "Grad" and Kassam rockets that have been launched into Israel from Gaza.

 

The system's main components include a tracking radar, battle management and weapons control and missile firing units, plus interceptors with a range of up to 38nm (70km). The system avoids collateral damage by detonating the target warhead away from the defended area.

 

[Andrea75]

System to Allow Exact Missile Alerts

 

A new system of the Home Front Command, which will be put to use at the IAF Center for Ballistic Picture Management in Israel, will allow more efficient recognition of rocket and missile launches.

For the first time, as a part of the Israeli-American AC Defense Exercise, a control system of the Home Front Command has been put into use. The new system, which has been developed to improve the IDF's early warning system pertaining to missiles, will assist the Center for Ballistic Picture Management, the IAF center that is responsible for the detection of rocket and missile firings toward Israel.

The soldiers of the center work shoulder to shoulder with the people of the Home Front Command, and they share an immense mission: warning the citizens of Israel before approaching missiles. As a part of the AC exercise, in which American and Israeli forces practice aerial defense, the IAF and Home Front Command conducted an extensive exercise in which they used the system for the first time.

Instead of One Ballistic Picture--Division into Sections

Until now, the people of the Center for Ballistic Picture Management had one situational photo of Israel in its entirety, from which they had to identify every firing toward the country. The new system, on the other hand, will allow them to focus on various areas around the country, such that each team will be able to scan its sector with more care. "The new system allows us to divide the country in to various sections, and consequently be able to be more exact in warning different areas", explained Major Ofir Walfish, Commander of the Center. "This is the first time that the Home Front Command and we are practicing in a sectoral manner".

Inside the center's operations room, ballistic picture officers sit by representatives of the Home Front Command. They must respond to every "target" they receive--every target is a simulation of a missile launching toward Israel as a part of the AC exercise. First, they receive notification of the launching. After examining the statistics of the launching and comparing it to the incoming information from various sensors, Ballistic Picture officers devise whether this is a launching that endangers Israel-and from here the information is transferred to the Home Front Command.

 

Each team will focus on its own section, and scan it carefully

 

The goal: improving warning capabilities in cases of falling rockets and missiles

[Franky]

Il Meads sarà migliore dell'Iron Dome!

[vorthex]

sono sistemi decisamente diversi, non ha alcun senso confrontarli.

Modificato 13 Novembre 2012 da vorthex

[Franky]

Cero che sono diversi, ma in un articolo su R.I.D. (non ricordo il numero) lessi che gli USA starebbero pensando di adattarlo anche ad uso dell'Iron Dome, oltre alla sua destinazione ufficiale. Se così fosse ci troveremmo davanti ad un bel sistema polivalente! Il rateo di letalità dell'ID è del 75% (non del 90%), ma le sue criticità sono due:

- I missili sono troppo costosi, infatti si sta cercando di ridurne il costo per unità.

- In un attacco di saturazione, esaurirebbe ben presto la sua efficacia.

[Andrea75]

Similar Timing for Long-Range Rockets from Gaza

 

In the four days since the beginning of Israeli Operation Pillar of Defense, six confirmed Fajr-5 rockets have been launched from Gaza, all around 5 p.m. local time. The first Fajr-5 attack, during which multiple rockets were launched at Dimona, took place around 8:50 p.m. local time Nov. 13, along with a during the large volume of other rockets with smaller ranges in response to Israeli airstrikes on Gaza. Hamas may have made an impulsive decision to launch these rockets before the Israeli air force struck them or to demonstrate their longer-range capability early on in the crisis, which could explain the atypical timing when compared to the other attacks. Hamas also claimed it launched a rocket at Tel Aviv around 2 a.m. Nov. 14, but no report of a rocket coming down near Tel Aviv was confirmed. There are several possible reasons for the similar launch times. Hamas may have identified the 5 p.m. hour as the optimal time to strike, when large segments of Israeli population centers are in traffic. The group may then be pacing its Fajr-5 launches to make their stockpile last instead of wasting them at less optimal times.

 

 

 

Pillar of Defense: IAF Acts in Gaza

 

Operation "Pillar of Defense" enters its fifth day. Over 1000 targets have been attacked, along with over 300 rockets intercepted by the "Iron Dome".

Sunday, November 18th

4:30 p.m.: Since Operation Defensive Pillar began on Wednesday, November 14th, 544 rockets launched from the Gaza Strip have struck Israel. In addition, the Iron Dome system has intercepted over 300 rockets headed towards densely populated areas.

2:35 p.m.: The IDF has a released a video of a pinpoint strike on a rocket launching site that was hidden alongside a mosque. The IAF conducted a succesful strike without damaging the mosque. Watch the strike in the video below:

 

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mKOsPYfpVg&feature=player_embedded

 

12:40 p.m.: Overnight, the IDF targeted two Hamas operational communication sites that were identified by precise intelligence.

11:35 a.m.: Hamas and terror organizations in the Gaza Strip have continued to launch an endless stream rockets towards Israel. However, not all the rockets launched reach Israeli airspace. Since the beginning of the operation, 98 rockets launched from the Gaza Strip have exploded within Gaza.

10:40 a.m.: Confirmed, Iron Dome intercepted the rocket fired at Tel Aviv a few minutes ago.

7:08 a.m.: Overnight, IAF aircraft targeted dozens of underground rocket launchers, causing severe damage to the rocket launching capabilities of Hamas and other terror organizations.

A short while ago, two sites in the northern Gaza Strip were targeted: Saraya - a Hamas primary training base and command center - and a communications antenna used by Hamas to carry out terror activity against the State of Israel. A number of training bases owned by Hamas were also targeted throughout the Gaza Strip.

The sites that were targeted were positively identified by precise intelligence over the course of months.

Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip, has turned it into a front line base for Iran, carrying out terror attacks and firing rockets at Israeli citizens, forcing them to live in unbearable circumstances. The IDF is determined to continue targeting terror activity sites that are used to carry out attacks against the citizens of Israel.

6:19 a.m.: Since Operation Pillar of Defense began on Wednesday (November 14), nearly 500 rockets fired from Gaza have landed in Israel.

In addition, the Iron Dome Active Defense System has intercepted 267 rockets. The IDF has targeted over 1,000 terror sites in the Gaza Strip during the operation.

 

Saturday, November 17th

4:45 p.m.: Confirmed, the newly deployed Iron Dome battery in Gush Dan had its first succesful interception, intercepting a rocket bound for the Tel Aviv area.

1:00 p.m: Chief of General Staff of the IDF, Lieutenant General Benny Gantz, concluded situation assessment meeting in the Kirya base in Tel Aviv with instructions to IDF forces to continue its attacks in the Gaza Strip, and to increase the rates of attack on terror targets.

10:40 a.m: Throughout the night, an "Iron Dome" battery was stationed in the Greater Tel Aviv area. The battery, fifth in its number, became operational earlier than expected, thanks to the security industries enlisting in the efforts to defense the citizens of Israel.

8:40 a.m: Throughout the night, over 200 targets have been attacked, amongst them over 120 hidden launchers and 20 smuggling tunnels in Rafah. Additionally, the IAF has attacked the headquarters of the Hamas government and destroyed it. A police station in Gaza City, and Islamic headquarters of internal security were also attacked. The home of Ahmed Randor, commander of the northern sector of the Hamas, was bombed as well.

By this morning, the scope of fire toward southern residencies has minimized, probably as a result of the IAF's constant wave of attacks to disrupt launching attempts. Concurrently, preparations for a possible ground attack continue.

 

Friday, November 16th

1:00 p.m.: As of this afternoon, 67 rockets fired from the Gaza Strip have struck Israel today. In addition, the Iron Dome system has intercepted 55 rockets today alone. In all, 335 rockets have struck Israel since Operation Pillar of Defense began on November 14th.

10:55 a.m.: Over the last two hours, over 50 rockets fired from Gaza have struck Israel.

7:44 a.m.: Overnight, the IDF targeted approximately 150 medium-range rocket launching sites as well as ammunition storage facilities across the Gaza Strip, causing severe damage to terror infrastructures. As a result of the IDF's targeting of rocket launching capabilities, rocket fire at Israel overnight was significantly decreased, with only a few rockets landing in open areas.

Since the start of Operation Pillar of Defense, the Israel Air Force has targeted over 450 terror activity sites in the Gaza Strip. The aim of targeting these sites is to impair the rocket launching capability of terror organizations in the Gaza Strip and hamper their continuous build-up.

In addition, IAF aircraft targeted a central terror activity site in the southern Gaza Strip in order to harm the command and control posts of the Hamas terror organization. The sites that were targeted were positively identified by precise intelligence over the course of months.

 

Thursday, November 15th

7:46 p.m.: Since yesterday, the Iron Dome anti-missile defense system has intercepted 105 rockets, preventing them from striking Israeli communities - while 274 rockets have struck Israel.

In the same period, the IDF has targeted 250 terror activity sites in the Gaza Strip.

7:28 p.m.: Since yesterday, 274 rockets fired from Gaza have struck Israel.

7:23 p.m.: A short while ago, IDF Spokesperson Yoav (Poly) Mordechai addressed the media. He warned that tonight "will not be a quiet night" in the Gaza Strip.

:06 p.m.: A short while ago, warning sirens sounded in Tel Aviv, sending residents running for shelter. However, no rockets struck the city.

5:09 p.m.: A short while ago, a rocket fell in an open area outside of Rishon Letzion.5:09 p.m.: A short while ago, a rocket fired from Gaza struck an open area outside of the city of Rishon LeZion, home to over 200,000 citizens.

4:41 p.m.: Today, despite the heightened security concerns, Israel has admitted 14 Palestinians into its hospitals for medical treatment.

4:35 p.m.: Over the past day, IAF aircraft continued targeting over 100 rocket launching sites across the Gaza Strip, severely damaging rocket launching capabilities used by terror organizations.

Since the beginning of Operation Pillar of Defense, over 200 terror activity sites have been targeted in the Gaza Strip. These sites are being targeted in order to impair the rocket launching capability of terror organizations in the Gaza Strip and hamper their weapon build-up capabilities. Additionally, IAF aircraft targeted several terrorist squads that were involved in firing rockets at Israeli communities.

Three Israeli citizens were killed today by a rocket that directly hit their home in Kiryat Malakhi. In addition, an infant was critically wounded. Additionally, three IDF soldiers were injured today by a rocket that exploded in their vicinity in southern Israel.

The Iron Dome Active Missile Defense System has successfully intercepted over 80 rockets launched from Gaza, aimed at Israel.

Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip, has turned it into a front line base for Iran, carrying out terror attacks and firing rockets at Israeli citizens forcing them to live in unbearable circumstances. The IDF is determined to continue targeting sites that are used to carry out terror attacks against Israeli citizens.

3:51 p.m.: In the past 24 hours, 245 rockets have been fired from the Gaza Strip into southern Israel.

3:18 p.m.: A short while ago, three IDF soldiers were injured - two moderately and one lightly - by a rocket fired from the Gaza Strip into southern Israel. The three were evacuated to Soroka Hospital in Be'er Sheva.

3:08 p.m.: Over the past 24 hours, the Iron Dome anti-missile defense system has intercepted over 80 rockets headed toward southern Israeli communities.

1:55 p.m.: Updated rocket count: Over the last 24 hours, 138 rockets fired from Gaza have struck Israel. Residents of the south of Israel continue to live under fire.

11:10 a.m.: Since the start of Operation Pillar of Defense, the IDF has targeted 156 terror sites in the Gaza Strip.

The aim of targeting these sites is to impair the rocket launching capability of terror organizations in the Gaza Strip and damage their further build-up.

9:20am.: Update: A short while ago, 3 civilians were killed by a direct hit from a rocket fired from the Gaza Strip.

8:56a.m.: Moments ago, a house in southern Israel was directly hit by a rocket fired from the Gaza Strip. Over the last 24 hours, 89 rockets fired from the Gaza Strip have struck Israel. An additional 43 rockets have been intercepted by the Iron Dome system.

8:45a.m.: In addition to the leaflets dispersed by the IDF over the Gaza Strip, over 20,000 phone calls have been made to warn the residents of the Gaza Strip to stay away from Hamas and other terror organizations' operatives and facilities that pose a risk to their safety.

8:00a.m.: The IAF has released a video of last night's aerial strikes on launch sites and storehouses of Hamas' long-range missiles. These missiles have the capability to strike Tel Aviv and the heart of Israel, threatening over 3.5 million Israelis.

7:20a.m.: Today, Thursday November 15, 2012, the IDF dispersed leaflets above several locations in the Gaza Strip. These leaflets warn the residents of the Gaza Strip to stay away from Hamas and other terror organizations' operatives and facilities that pose a risk to their safety.

The leaflets stress that Hamas is dragging the region toward violence, and that the IDF is prepared to defend the residents of the State of Israel until quiet is restored to the region.

7:18a.m.: Overnight, the IDF targeted approximately 100 medium and long range rocket launch and infrastructure sites across the Gaza Strip. This has significantly damaged the rocket launch capabilities and munitions warehouses operated by Hamas and other terror organizations.

The aim of targeting these sites is to impair the rocket launching capability of terror organizations in the Gaza strip and damage their further build up.

In addition, Israeli Air Force aircraft targeted several rocket launching squads as they prepared to fire rockets towards southern Israel. Furthermore, the IDF, using tank shells, targeted several terror activity sites throughout the Gaza Strip.

Hamas has turned the Gaza strip into a forward base for Iran, terrorizing the residents of the State of Israel with continuous rocket fire.

The IDF will continue to target sites that are used to carry out terror attacks against Israeli citizens.

5:45 a.m.: Overnight, Hamas has continued its rocket assault on Israeli civilians. As of this morning, 54 rockets have struck Israel since the beginning of the operation. In addition, the Iron Dome system has intercepted an additional 28 rockets.

Over the course of 2012, 822 rockets have hit Israel.

4:30 a.m.: Since the beginning of the operation, the IDF has struck approximately 100 terror sites.

12:30 a.m.: Hamas has continued to fire rockets at Israel, in an effort to harm Israeli civilians. To this point, the Iron Dome has intercepted 25 rockets fired from Gaza.

Wednesday, November 14th

10:48 p.m.: Over the past few hours, the IDF has targeted dozens of Hamas's medium range (up to 40km) under-ground rocket launch and infrastructure sites. This has significantly damaged their rocket launch capabilities as munitions ware houses owned by Hamas and other terror organizations were targeted. In addition, Israeli Navy soldiers targeted several Hamas terror sites stationed along the shoreline of the Gaza Strip.

The aim of targeting these sites is to impair Hamas' rocket launching and weapons build up capabilities.

Hamas, the organization that rules over the Gaza Strip, has turned it into a forward base for Iran. The Gaza Strip has become an area scattered with weapon storage facilities and rocket launching sites that put the residents of the Gaza Strip in harm's way.

The IDF will continue to target sites that are used to carry out terror attacks against Israeli citizens.

10:05 p.m.: As of now, the Iron Dome has intercepted 17 rockets over the course of the day.

10:00 p.m.: A Fajr-5 launch site constructed in proximity to a mosque and other civilian structures was struck a short while ago by IAF aircraft.

9:45 p.m.: A short while ago, a rocket struck a shopping center in a major city in southern Israel.

8:30 p.m.: The Israeli Navy has stuck terror sites in the Gaza Strip.

In addition, the Iron Dome intercepted 13 rockets over the past few hours.

7:15 p.m.: The IDF has published a video of its pinpoint strike on Ahmed Jabri, the head of Hamas' military wing in Gaza, scroll down for the video.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXatG2Z9Oqc&feature=player_embedded

 

5:35pm: The IDF has targeted a significant number of long range rockets sites (over 40km) owned by Hamas. This deals a significant blow to the terror organizations' underground rocket launching capabilities and munitions ware houses that are owned by Hamas and other terror organizations.

The aim of targeting these sites is to cripple the terrorist organizations' rocket launching and weapons build up capabilities.

The Gaza strip, has turned it into a forward base for Iran, firing rockets and carrying out terrorist attacks against Israeli citizens.

The IDF will continue to target terrorist sites that are used to carry out terror attacks against Israeli citizens.

4:30 pm: In the past hour, the IDF targeted Ahmed Jabri, the head of Hamas' military wing, in the Gaza Strip. Jabri was a senior Hamas operative who served in the upper echelon of the Hamas' command and was directly responsible for executing terror attacks against the State of Israel in the past number of years.

The purpose of this operation was to cripple the command and control chain of the Hamas leadership, as well as its terrorist infrastructure. This was a surgical operation in cooperation with the Israeli Security Agency, that was implemented on the basis of concrete intelligence and using advanced capabilities.

The IDF will continue to target sites that are used for carrying out terror attacks against the citizens of Israel while improving their daily security.

IDF Spokesman, Brig. Gen. Yoav (Poly) Mordechai, said that IDF operations began following the "intolerable situation in the south of the country, and seeks to harm terrorist organizations operating in the Gaza Strip." During the night, IDF Chief of Staff Gantz approved the detailed plan. All options are open in order to seriously damage Hamas and other terrorist organizations."

 

Moments Before Pillar of Defense

 

An IAF Magazine correspondant accompanied combat pilots just a moment before taking off to Operation "Pillar of Defense", attacking various terroristic targets along the Gaza Strip. "We knew what we were training for, but specific details like when and how were given as we went along. "There was a 1000% effort to avoid civilian casualties".

Yesterday, the northern "Valley" squadron opened operation "Pillar of Defense" by taking off toward the Gaza Strip with the goal of drastically hitting main terrorist strongholds. The goal was to disrupt the launching abilities of various terrorist organizations and harm their development, while preventing any hits and casualties. "It's never a 100% guarantee that we won't harm any innocent civilians, but we put in a 1000% effort to prevent it--in every aspect, every level, in the headquarters and out on the field come go time".

 

A Piercing Siren Cut Through the Silence

It was a very odd day around the formation: quiet, no landings, no takeoffs or disruptions. A long period of silent moments is very unusual at IAF Bases, which are usually bustling and filled with noises. Aside from the silence, everything seemed to be on track. Then, a sharp siren cut through the deafening silence to bring us back to reality. "We were on call, and once we got the okay all the pre-prepared airplanes needed to takeoff very quickly, in a very professional and efficient manner", describes Commander of Ramat David, Colonel Nir. "We knew what we were training for. But the specific details of when and how were given as we went along".

The rooms quickly emptied, soldiers and officers walked quickly around the formation, focused on the mission ahead. In a few minutes, people of the aerial crew came out wearing their suits rushing towards the aircrafts. One of the pilots was waiting for his flying partner, impatiently tapping his fingers on the ledge of the plane.

 

Flying Combat Airplanes

The next noise which disrupted the silence was the noise of takeoff. One by one, combat airplanes took off into the air rushing toward their southern mission. The IAF attacked tens of targets around the strip: qussam launching targets, terrorists trying to launch missiles towards Israeli territories, ammunition storages and underground long distance launching formations. "The mission was completed, we investigated in order to see what we had done and how we could have improved so we know for next missions", summarizes Colonel Nir. "Personally, I was very proud of all our base members for their readiness on short notice and the partnership and cooperation amongst the various formations".

 

 

First Interception for T.A Iron Dome

 

Within one night, a new operational battery to protect the Greater Tel Aviv area has been stationed, with its first interception today a success.

4:45 p.m. update: Confirmed, the newly deployed Iron Dome battery in Gush Dan had its first succesful interception, intercepting a rocket bound for the Tel Aviv area. The rocket is responsible for the alarms that sounded in Tel Aviv minutes ago. Read on about the deployment of the new battery below.

It has been two days since rocket ranges surpassed 40 Kilometers, urging residents of central Israel to take shelter. The IAF has stationed an Iron Dome battery in the Greater Tel Aviv area, whose purpose is to intercept the long-range missiles left in the hands of the Hamas.

The new battery, fifth in its number, was expected to be integrated into the IDF only in January 2013. That said, as a result of its successes in defending southern residencies from rockets, security industries joined the efforts and accelerated the battery's development process. This morning, it was deemed operational. The fifth battery includes newly developed systems for performance enhancement, which will face the test in the first interceptions of the new battery. This morning, IAF Commander Major General Amir Eshel visited IAF fighters at the new battery.

The Greater Tel Aviv area is not foreign to the fighters of the Aerial Defense Formation. Nine months ago, the fighters deployed to the area as a part of an exercise in familiarity with a variety of areas, in case of emergencies in locations that are not routine. This exercise, in retrospect, was crucial to the reality of operation "Pillar of Defense".

Operation "Pillar of Defense" put Iron Dome systems to the test as a result of the multitude of missiles launched toward the Israeli rear. Out of over 600 rockets fired from the Gaza Strip, only 24 landed in populated areas thanks to the large number of interceptions; proof that the system is crucial and life-saving. It is important to note that the system is not hermetic, therefore citizens are asked to take precautions and abide to instructions of the Home Front Command.

Modificato 18 Novembre 2012 da Andrea75

[Andrea75]

Israel’s Iron Dome Plays Growing Role in Gaza Conflict

 

Iron Dome, Israel’s much vaunted anti-missile defense system, is playing an increasingly important role in the growing confrontation between the Jewish state and Gaza-based militants.

Since the latest round of bloodshed erupted 48 hours ago with an Israeli strike on a top Hamas militant, Israel has attacked more than 500 targets in Gaza in hundreds of bombing sorties.

During the same period, militants have fired more than 500 rockets across the border, 327 of which struck southern Israel, while another 184 were successfully intercepted in mid-flight by Iron Dome, army statistics show.

So far, only four batteries have been deployed in the south, although the defense ministry on Nov. 16 said a fifth was to be brought into service on Nov. 17, two months ahead of schedule.

 

 

Rafael Works 24/7 To Meet Demand for Iron Dome Missiles

 

srael’s Rafael initiated emergency, round-the-clock operations last week to meet intensifying demand for Iron Dome intercepting missiles and the accelerated deployment of a fifth battery to defend against Gaza-launched rockets and missiles.

 

The state-owned company added a nighttime shift Nov. 14 as Israel’s four operational Iron Dome batteries scored more than 100 intercepts in battles against persistent barrage attacks. In parallel, engineers and program officials were working with Israel’s Ministry of Defense to conclude the development of the newest Block-2 upgrades scheduled for a fifth battery slated for deployment over the weekend.

...

Defense Minister Ehud Barak ordered the latest Block-2 Iron Dome battery to be delivered to operational units of Israel’s Air Defense Forces by the evening of Nov. 17, two months ahead of schedule.

“The fifth battery that is currently in development has displayed impressive capabilities in a series of advanced tests that have taken place during recent weeks. However, following recent events, MoD decided to take the battery out of the test-firing arena and move it over to the operational arena,” MoD announced Nov. 16.

Defense and industry sources said the Block-2 Iron Dome battery draws on lessons gained since its operational deployment in spring 2011. The upgraded battery has the same hardware as the previous four batteries, but software changes and operational tweaking expand its coverage area and help it defend against increasingly challenging salvo attacks.

“There’s still a lot of potential for improved capabilities,” an industry executive said. “What we’ve done in Block-2 is expand the operational envelope. But like an iceberg, there’s still huge capabilities under the surface that remain to be seen.”

[TT-1 Pinto]

Iron Dome interceptors have a success rate of 90% ....

 

Fonte .... http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/israel-says-1300-targets-attacked-in-gaza-strip-379180/

 

 

Fonte .... The Economist .... :o/>

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Uno scudo che funziona ....

 

Iron Dome: A Missile Shield That Works ....

 

The major-combat debut of Israel‘s Iron Dome missile-defense shield over the past several days may be one of the few that can legitimately make that claim.

 

It is destroying about 90% of the rockets and missiles that Hamas, the Palestinian political party governing Gaza, is firing into southern Israel, Israeli officials say.

Fonte .... http://nation.time.com/2012/11/19/iron-dome-a-missile-shield-that-works/

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La quinta batteria ....

 

Israel broadens Iron Dome coverage ....

 

 

By: Arie Egozi Tel Aviv (1 hours ago - Nov. 20, 2012)

 

Source: Flight International

 

 

The Israeli air force has deployed a new Iron Dome rocket interceptor system in central Israel, just days after it was completed by teams from Rafael and Israel Aerospace Industries.

 

Equipped with an upgraded radar developed by IAI's Elta Systems division, the new battery has achieved an intercept rate of more than 90%, in spite of its emergency deployment. The system had been due to enter use in January 2013.

 

The fifth such anti-rocket battery to have been fielded, the new system in Gush Dan is covering the Tel Aviv area. However, the air force will need at least five more to cover Israel from all potential "threat zones".

 

Approach and take-off patterns at Ben Gurion international airport near Tel Aviv have been changed as a result of the rocket attacks from the Gaza Strip.

 

Israel's armed forces have attacked about 1,400 targets since its "Pillar of Defense" operation was launched on 14 November. The nation's defence force says approximately 100 sites were targeted overnight on 19-20 November, while ceasefire talks continued.

 

 

 

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Razzi più potenti e devastanti ....

 

Hamas Rockets Prove More Devastating ....

 

By Staff ....

Source: AWIN First (AW&ST)

November 21, 2012

 

Unlike previous lightweight and compact weapons that proved highly suitable for guerilla warfare techniques, the Iranian-made Fajr rockets currently supplied to Hamas in Gaza are significantly more devastating than earlier Grad and Qassams.

 

Both Fajr-3 and Fajr-5 carry a 90-kg high explosive warhead with massive fragmentation sheets made of steel balls that create extensive collateral damage. Analyses of such attacks from 2006 to this year indicate these rockets could be equipped with a delay fuse to improve building penetration. The larger warhead and extended range means these rockets and their launchers are significantly larger and heavier, thus becoming more visible targets. Lifting the rocket for transportation or positioning requires special machinery (crane, launchers), therefore limiting movement, deployment and relocation of the weapon. Employing persistent surveillance over Gaza by various means, Israel has managed to locate the storage and firing positions of those rockets, preparing the target bank for the swift opening attack on Gaza that virtually eliminated a massive long-range rocket threat on central Israel, like the air force did in the first 24 hr. of the 2006 Lebanon war.

 

Although only few of these Fajr rockets were actually fired at Israel, the ongoing Operation “Pillar of Defense” campaign has evolved around those rockets. Based on intelligence gathered over years, Israel effectively eliminated these “strategic weapons” in a swift opening attack on the afternoon of Nov. 14, leaving Palestinian militants with the Grad rockets (and locally improvised Qassams). The accuracy and effectiveness of the Grad attacks improved through the first week of fighting.

 

Implementing lessons learned in Lebanon and after Operation Cast Lead in 2009, as well as their previous experience with Israel’s Iron Dome active counter-rocket system, the militants began to fire their rockets in salvos of six or more, attempting to saturate the defenses. In a single attack on Beer Sheba they fired a 16-rocket salvo, of which an Iron Dome battery successfully intercepted 12. Only three rockets evaded the system and hit the city, causing significant damage but no loss of life. Moreover, the Iron Dome radar reported the launch site instantly, enabling an immediate counterattack.

 

Moving to the multiple-launch rocket systems was not easy for terrorist groups that relied on leaving few traces for their own survival, as the Israelis have already developed improved sensor-to-shooter counterstrike techniques to address such targets since 2006. Based on Hamas propaganda videos, for such attacks the Palestinians employed six-barrel launchers dug into the ground, which pop up for a few seconds for firing. To gain experience with their new long-range weapons and assess the capabilities of Israel’s defenses, the militants also fired locally improvised 8-in. rockets (Qassam M75/M76) reaching a similar range, but lacking the warhead of the Iranian Fajr-5. This rocket was first fired into the Mediterranean Sea a few weeks ago and detected by Israeli surveillance.

 

After a few days of concentrating rocket attacks on Israel’s south, first attempts were made to extend ranges toward the large Tel Aviv population center 70 km north. The first launches toward Tel Aviv and later Jerusalem (which actually impacted near Palestinian West Bank villages) failed to get results, falling on open ground or into the Mediterranean Sea. But sporadic attempts continued.

 

The fifth Iron Dome unit deployed to defend central Israel intercepted at least one rocket only two hr. after being delivered by Rafael in unprecedented record time. This unit was enhanced with new capabilities tailored specifically to enable it to engage threats at extended range. In the days that followed, this unit intercepted additional Fajr-5 rockets but failed to intercept one Fajr-5 on Nov. 20, which landed on a six-floor apartment building in Rishon Lezion, south of Tel Aviv. It devastated three floors and lightly wounded only four civilians. The astounding minimal casualty score throughout the massive attack period was attributed to blast-protected rooms that became mandatory in all new buildings in Israel since 1992.

 

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.... ma "Iron Dome" ha fatto il suo dovere ....

 

Iron Dome Repels Hamas Rockets ....

 

During the 2006 conflict in southern Lebanon, about 25% of the Hezbollah-fired missiles struck populated areas in northern Israel.

In the current conflict, while Israeli security is keeping a lid on where the Hamas and Jihadist missiles have landed, the very few deaths reported in Israel—in the single digits—indicate that the first five batteries of the short-range, Iron Dome missile defense system are surprisingly efficient.

Fonte .... http://www.aviationweek.com/Article.aspx?id=/article-xml/awx_11_21_2012_p0-520355.xml