Israel’s Iron Dome Interception Rate Drops Amid Iranian Missile Attacks

Israel’s air defense system, known as the “Iron Dome,” was able to intercept only 65% of the rockets launched by Iran in the past 24 hours. This marks a significant drop compared to 90% the previous day. This was reported by a senior Israeli intelligence official.

“Iran still possesses very advanced missiles – and they are actively using them.”

According to a source who is not authorized to comment publicly due to the sensitivity of the information, the new missiles launched by Iran have significantly reduced Israel’s reaction time to threats. This means Israeli forces have less time to take countermeasures.

“Until yesterday, we received warnings about 10–11 minutes before a missile landed. But this morning, it’s down to 6–7 minutes. This suggests the missiles were likely much faster than previous ones.”

He also noted that Iranian missiles are equipped with navigation systems that allow them to accurately strike targets such as the hospital in Be’er Sheva. Despite significant losses among Iranian leadership following Israel’s unexpected attack last week, Iran still has sufficient missile stockpiles for prolonged responses, reflecting their strategy of “measured patience.”

“The regime has the determination and resources to continue attacks. Therefore, we must be cautious about any claims of the ‘inevitable fall of the regime’ – this is currently far from reality.”

What is the “Iron Dome”

The “Iron Dome” system was developed jointly by the US and Israel and became operational in 2011. It is a high-tech system consisting of radars and launchers that is continuously being improved and costs billions of dollars. The cost of one battery is estimated at around 100 million dollars, with the US investing over 2.9 billion dollars in its development.

The system is designed to protect against short-range rockets, and its effectiveness, according to official data, reaches 90-97% in intercepting such threats. If a rocket does not threaten populated areas or strategic sites and falls in the desert, it is not intercepted.

According to data, the “Iron Dome” consists of 10 batteries, each with 3-4 launchers, and each launcher holds 20 Tamir interceptor missiles. Two missiles are launched per target, and the cost of one Tamir missile ranges from 40 to 100 thousand dollars.

Israel’s Attack on Iran

On the night of June 13, the Israel Defense Forces launched an air operation against Iran’s nuclear program, striking dozens of targets including uranium enrichment facilities and military bases.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the operation’s goal is to destroy Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, ballistic missile production plants, and military capabilities. The operation will continue until the mission is fully accomplished.

The strikes resulted in the deaths of the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Hossein Salami, and the Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, Mohammad Bagheri, according to Iranian state news agency reports.

Following the attack, several countries closed their airspace, and the IAEA expressed concern over the strikes on nuclear facilities. Iran insists that its nuclear sites did not suffer serious damage.

In response, Iran launched over 100 drones toward Israel, and on June 13-14, Israel carried out new airstrikes on key defense installations and military bases in Iran.

At an emergency UN Security Council meeting, Iran accused the US of involvement in the strikes, but Washington denied these allegations and called on Tehran to negotiate over its nuclear program.