In the ongoing Israeli-Hamas war, tensions escalated over the weekend as Palestinian terrorists launched a surprise attack on Israel, which Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu referred to as the deadliest offensive in 50 years. Operation Al Aqsa Flood, as Hamas named it, involved over 3,000 rockets, drones, and commando raids targeting Israeli cities, military bases, and infrastructure. However, the State-of-the-art Iron Dome technology proved to be a crucial defense system, protecting millions of Israelis from these attacks.

The Iron Dome, Israel's air defense system, responded swiftly and effectively to the onslaught. With a reported interception rate of 90%, the Iron Dome neutralized a significant number of incoming threats, lighting up the skies with its action. Its sophisticated radar system detects projectiles from approximately 40 miles away, calculates their trajectories, and determines their potential threat level. It then fires a launcher containing 20 interceptor missiles to intercept any rockets deemed dangerous. Notably, the Iron Dome conserves its ammunition by only engaging with projectiles heading towards populated areas.

Developed by Israel's Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, the Iron Dome was created to shield Israeli civilians from the constant threat of mortar and rocket attacks, primarily from militants in Gaza and Hezbollah fighters in Lebanon. Its interception debut took place in April 2011 when it successfully neutralized a Grad rocket aimed at Ashkelon from Gaza. Since then, it has played a pivotal role in Israel's defense strategy, intercepting thousands of projectiles.

The financial aspect of the Iron Dome is as significant as its technological capabilities. Each interceptor missile used by the system costs approximately $40,000 to $50,000, adding up to substantial expenses. Israel has deployed ten Iron Dome systems as of mid-2021, with each system capable of protecting a vast area and responding to aerial threats regardless of weather conditions.

The funding for the Iron Dome initially came from Israeli firms Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Israel Aerospace Industries. However, the United States started financially supporting the initiative in 2011, significantly boosting its development and deployment. The U.S. Congress approved a total of $1.6 billion in funding from 2011 to 2021, with an additional $1 billion approved in 2022. This collaboration expanded further with the involvement of U.S.-based Raytheon Technologies, forming a joint venture called Raytheon RAFAEL Area Protection Systems. This partnership aimed to establish a production facility for Iron Dome components in the United States, marking a significant step in the co-production of the system.

The Iron Dome's proven effectiveness in safeguarding Israeli lives from rocket attacks is undeniable. Last July, Israel announced upgrades to the system by incorporating artificial intelligence to enhance precision targeting. As of now, both sides have declared war against each other, with Prime Minister Netanyahu warning of difficult days ahead.

Israel Defense Forces have reported that Hamas and other Palestinian militant groups have fired over 4,500 rockets towards Israel since the deadly attack on Saturday. However, the majority of these rockets have been intercepted by the Iron Dome missile defense system. The continuous barrages of rockets have triggered air raid sirens in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv and raised concerns about flight safety at Ben Gurion International Airport. The Iron Dome, operational since 2011, has an estimated success rate of 90-97% and has been a critical factor in protecting Israel from rocket attacks. Israel has at least 10 Iron Dome batteries deployed throughout the country, each capable of defending a 60-square-mile populated area. The interceptors used by the Iron Dome system cost up to $100,000 each.

The idea for the Iron Dome originated in 2004 when Israel's Brig. Gen. Daniel Gold conceived it in response to rocket attacks by Hezbollah during the 2006 war in Lebanon. Development of the system began in 2007 and cost $210 million. Didi Ya'ari, then CEO of Rafael, stated in an interview that the Iron Dome was a game-changer as it allowed the Israeli economy to function even during times of conflict, ensuring that people could continue working and daily life could go on.

The United States has played a significant role in the development and financing of the Iron Dome. While initially an Israeli project, the U.S. became a financial partner in 2011. Congress called for technology sharing and co-production with Israel, leading to a co-production agreement signed in 2014. This agreement allowed the manufacturing of Iron Dome components in the United States and provided the U.S. with full access to the technology. Raytheon, a U.S. defense contractor, produces some of the Iron Dome's components, and interceptor parts are manufactured at Raytheon's facility in Tucson, Arizona, before being assembled in Israel. The U.S. has provided nearly $3 billion to Israel for Iron Dome batteries, interceptors, co-production costs, and maintenance.

In the ongoing conflict, the United States has assured Israel of its support in meeting their air defense needs. The Iron Dome continues to be a significant factor in Israel's defense strategy, providing a crucial buffer for the Israeli government to plan its responses.