Air Defense Command (Israel)
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Air Defense Command | |
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מערך ההגנה האווירית | |
Tat aluf Gilad Biran | |
Insignia | |
Flag |
The
History
During the 1948 Arab–Israeli War, the Air Defense Network was part of the Artillery Corps, primarily relying on machine guns. During the 1960s, 40 mm radar-guided anti-aircraft guns were introduced, and in 1965, MIM-23 Hawk surface-to-air missiles. The latter were operated by the Air Force's surface-to-air units. In the 1970s, the entire Air Defense Network was merged with the Air Force.
The Air Defense Command operated many United States-developed short-range system such as the MIM-23 Hawk, the MIM-72 Chaparral and M163 VADS ("Hovet"). The Air Defense Command scored world premier interceptions with most of these systems, mainly against the Syrian Air Force.
Due to increasing rocket threat from the
On 23 September 2014, a Syrian Air Force
Weapons and equipment
- MIM-104 Patriot "Yahalom", a high to medium air defense (HIMAD) medium tactical air defense platform capable of downing aircraft and ballistic missiles. Israel's Patriot missile systems have been technologically upgraded since entering service.[7] During 2014 Israeli "Yahalom" MIM-104D batteries achieved the system's first shoot-downs against enemy aircraft (both crewed and uncrewed).
- Arrow 2 and Arrow 3missiles.
- David's Sling missile, advanced medium- to long-range atmospheric missile defense interceptor. Capable of downing of any kind of advanced tactical ballistic missiles, advanced cruise missiles, large-caliber rockets, UAV, UCAV, fighter and bomber jets.
- Iron Dome, a short-range air defense system designed to defend against rockets, artillery shells, and precision-guided munitions. The first battery became operational in May 2010.[8]
- Light Blade, a short range laser directed weapon system designed to defend against Incendiary balloons, Incendiary kites, and miniature UAV's. There is only one Light blade deployed.
- Iron Beam, a short range laser directed weapon system designed to intercept against rockets, artillery shells, and mortar bombs. (still in testing)[9]
Organization
Although a part of the Air and Space Force, the command has the same unit structure as the Artillery Corps. Its current commander is
References
- ^ Ori Lewis (22 August 2011). "Israel lauds success of Iron Dome missile interceptor". Reuters. Retrieved 21 November 2012.
- ^ Clay Dillow (19 November 2012). "How Israel's 'Iron Dome' Knocks Almost Every Incoming Missile Out Of The Sky". Popular Science. Archived from the original on 10 August 2017. Retrieved 20 November 2012.
- ^ Robert Johnson (19 November 2012). "How Israel Developed Such A Shockingly Effective Rocket Defense System". Business Insider. Retrieved 20 November 2012.
- Time Magazinewebsite. Retrieved 9 April 2013.
- ^ Raved, Ahiya (23 September 2014). "IDF: Syrian fighter jet shot down over Golan". ynet.co.il.
- ^ Harel, Amos (23 September 2014). "IDF shoots down Syrian fighter plane infiltrating Israeli territory". Haaretz. Retrieved 23 September 2014.
- ^ "IAF upgrading Patriot missile defense system".
- ^ "Peretz to Barak: Deploy anti-missile system near Gaza".
- ^ Azulay, Yuval (26 October 2023). "Israel to test Iron Beam laser system on Hamas missiles". Calcalistech.