JERUSALEM (AP) — An incoming attack by more than 300 Iranian drones and ballistic missiles was the latest challenge to Israel's air defense system, which already has been working overtime to cope with incoming rocket, drone and missile attacks throughout the six-month war against Hamas.
READ MORE: Israel says it intercepted 99 percent of Iran's drones and missiles
Israel's defense system with assistance from the U.S. and Britain is credited with preventing serious damage or casualties.
The Arrow
This system developed with the U.S. is designed to intercept long-range missiles, including the types of ballistic missiles Iran said it launched on Saturday. The Arrow, which operates outside the atmosphere, has been used in the current war to intercept long-range missiles launched by Houthi militants in Yemen.
FILE PHOTO: Colonel Zvika Haimovich of the Israeli air defence corps stands in front of an Arrow II battery, a U.S.-backed Israeli missile shield, during an interview with Reuters at his base in Palmachim, south of Tel Aviv, May 29, 2013. Photo by Amir Cohen/Reuters
David's Sling
Also developed with the U.S., the David's Sling is meant to intercept medium-range missiles, such as those possessed by Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Patriot
This American-made system is the oldest member of Israel's missile-defense system – used during the First Gulf War in 1991 to intercept Scud missiles fired by Iraq's leader at the time, Saddam Hussein. The Patriot is now used to shoot down aircraft, including drones.
Iron Dome
This system, developed by Israel with U.S. backing, specializes in shooting down short-range rockets.
FILE PHOTO: Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile system intercepts rockets launched from the Gaza Strip, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel Hamas, as seen from Ashkelon, Israel, Jan. 15, 2024. Photo by Amir Cohen/Reuters
It has intercepted thousands of rockets since it was activated early last decade – including thousands of interceptions during the current war against Hamas and Hezbollah. Israel says it has a success rate of over 90 percent.
Iron Beam
Israel is developing a new system to intercept incoming threats with laser technology. Israel has said this system will be a game changer because it is much cheaper to operate than existing systems. However, it is not yet operational.