The Israel Air Force will declare the “Iron Dome” rocket interception system operational within a matter of weeks, security sources told “Globes” today. This follows a successful series of trials over four days in the Negev last week. This was the first trial by the IAF of the innovative system developed by Rafael, after a successful series of trials carried out by the system’s development team.
Last night, a Grad rocket fired from the Gaza Strip hit a house in Beersheva, and several people were treated for shock. Another rocket hit Netivot. “I don’t understand why Iron Dome isn’t put into operational use immediately, given the escalation in the sector in the sector,” Beersheva mayor Ruvik Danilovich told “Globes.” An IDF spokesperson said, “Commissioning a weapon of this kind requires broad preparation. The Israel Air Force is acting quickly and expeditiously to make the system operationally ready as early as possible.”

Two Iron Dome batteries have been produced as part of the system’s development, serving Rafael and the IAF for trials. However, the high cost of each battery and of the Tamir interceptor missile presents a considerable challenge to the IDF. It is estimated that it will have to allocate more than NIS 5 billion to procure the system. The Ministry of Defense and the IDF intend to budget for the system in the next five-year plan, discussions on which will begin in the summer, and which will come into force next year.

For the time being, the Ministry of Defense is relying on the promise made six months ago by US president Barack Obama to transfer $205 million to Israel to assist it in equipping with the system. The transfer has not yet been approved by the US Congress, but assuming that the money is forthcoming, the Ministry of Defense intends to order production of 4-5 Iron Dome systems from Rafael, in addition to the two existing batteries.

(Source: Globes)

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