Israel Successfully Tests Upgraded Iron Dome Defence System, Enhances Robustness of its Multi-Layered Defence Array

The Israel Missile Defence Organisation (IMDO) at the Directorate of Defence Research & Development (DDR&D) within the Israel Ministry of Defence (IMOD), together with Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, successfully completed a series of interception tests of the Iron Dome defence system against a variety of advanced threats and scenarios.

Building on operational lessons learned during the current war, the test series examined several scenarios simulating current and future threats that the system might face during conflict, including rockets, cruise missiles, and UAVs. The campaign also incorporated additional elements that enhance the robustness of the multi-layered defence array.

The Iron Dome defence system, which became operational in 2011, has proven itself as a major component in Israel’s air and missile defence array.

During the current war, the system was intensively deployed and intercepted thousands of rockets, UAVs, cruise missiles, and UAS threats, providing a critical layer of protection for civilian populations and strategic infrastructure. The new capabilities demonstrated in these tests represent a significant leap in the system’s performance and ability to counter evolving regional threats.

The Iron Dome defence system is part of Israel’s national Air and Missile Defence Array, which also includes the Arrow and David’s Sling weapon systems. The IMOD, through the IMDO at the DDR&D, leads the development of this comprehensive defence array. Rafael Advanced Defense Systems is the primary contractor for developing and producing the Iron Dome defence system, in collaboration with ELTA Systems – a division of IAI, and mPrest Defense.

IMDO Director, Moshe Patel commented, “Throughout this war, we’ve seen that the Iron Dome Air & Missile defence system remains a critical asset even when facing intense barrages and adapting to the dynamic requirements of ground operations. The Israel Missile Defence Organisation is continuously enhancing the Iron Dome’s capabilities—on both land and sea—even while operating under fire in wartime conditions. This latest round of testing has allowed us to validate several new capabilities informed directly by battlefield insights successfully. This campaign further reinforce our confidence in the system’s ability to safeguard Israel and its people.”

Rafael CEO, Yoav Tourgeman stated, “Even after more than a decade of operational service, the Iron Dome defence system continues to demonstrate its immense contribution to Israel’s security and the protection of its citizens. Rafael is proud to conclude that this successful and advanced test campaign was the largest and most significant ever conducted with the Iron Dome defence system. The tests incorporated new capabilities across a wide range of scenarios, all of which the system successfully handled. These new capabilities will further enhance our ability to address future threats.”