Israel is ramping up its air defense capabilities as tensions with Iran reach new heights, Israeli and U.S. officials tell CNN. The move comes as experts warn that the renowned Iron Dome system may not be sufficient to counter advanced threats from Iran and its proxies.
The Israeli military has been working closely with the United States to develop and deploy a multi-layered defense system. This includes:
- David's Sling: Designed to intercept short-to-long range missiles and drones
- Arrow 3: Dubbed the "crown jewel," it targets long-range ballistic missiles
- Arrow 2: Focuses on medium-to-long-range missile threats
These systems were put to the test in April when Israel intercepted over 300 Iranian projectiles. Israeli officials claim a 99% success rate in that operation, though CNN cannot independently verify this figure.
Despite the apparent success, challenges remain. Defense analysts point to the threat of drone swarms and coordinated attacks from multiple fronts as potential weak points in the system.
Cost is another factor: The April interception alone is estimated to have cost around $550 million, which is not sustainable in a prolonged conflict.
Israel's recent integration into the U.S. Central Command has facilitated better coordination with Arab countries, even those without formal diplomatic ties to Israel. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized ongoing diplomatic efforts during a press briefing Tuesday.
"No one should escalate this conflict," Blinken stated, underscoring the U.S. commitment to regional stability.
Looking ahead, Israel is developing a new laser-based system called Iron Beam. While still in the testing phase, officials hope it could be operational by 2025, potentially offering a more cost-effective solution to the drone threat.
* The Wall Street Journal contributed to this article.
