The Iron Dome missile defense system will be operational and deployed within the next 10 months, according to an Israeli Air Force spokesperson quoted by Israel Army Radio. When in place, the defense system is expected to protect Israel’s southern residents against terrorist rocket attacks coming out of Gaza.
The Iron Dome mobile air defense system was developed by the Israeli company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems to intercept short-range rockets and artillery shells. The $210 million system has been jointly developed with the IDF since 2007.