The Science Behind Our Air Defense

A few weeks ago, newspapers worldwide prominently featured the effectiveness of Israel’s defense technology. It was right after the Israeli Air Force successfully intercepted over 350 missiles, rocket salvos, and Iranian ballistic threats in a brief period, achieving a 99% interception rate, according to the IDF spokesperson.

What underpins the substantial effectiveness of Israeli air defense systems? What essential elements form the foundation of these technologies? Alon, a C4I specialist from the ISTAR&EW Division at Elbit Systems, provides insights into these queries during an interview.

The Citron Tree and the Golden Almond

“The Citron Tree and Golden Almond command and control systems operating the Arrow weapon system and the David’s Sling air defense system correspondingly –, are the heart and the brain of these national vital assets,” explains Alon.

“These systems, along with the other subsystems composed from the missiles, sensors and launchers themselves, provide defense against ballistic missiles, precision rockets, cruise missiles, and various aerial threats, whether combat aircraft or drones, through complex and unique processes and algorithms existing only in the ecosystem of Elbit Systems,” he adds.

Alon acknowledges the significant operational success the system achieved last week in countering threats from Iran. “The different sensors detected the threats, conveyed the data to the battle management center, which calculated defense plans against them,” he states. “Then, the processed data was transmitted to the various interceptors. Thus, through a systematic approach incorporating advanced algorithms developed at Elbit Systems, defense plans were executed to successful interceptions.”

The Israeli security system is known for its multi-layered air defense, from detection to interception. This synchronized effort enables a nearly seamless defense of the skies.

“Though many nations, including the USA, come here to train, learn, and procure these systems, there’s no doubt such a solution could only evolve in Israel,” Alon asserts. He adds, “Overall, it’s known that Israel has extensive operational experience in missile interception and dealing with various aerial targets. The immense knowledge and experience accumulated across different security industries, including at Elbit Systems, ensures the high quality of these products.”

Intercepted Outside the Atmosphere

Various aerial threats vary in size, shape, and potential damage. To protect airspace and ensure the safety of citizens and strategic facilities in Israel, a specialized but robust system tailored to each threat is essential.

Alon elaborates on the specifics: “For instance, the Arrow 2 system is designed for intercepting long-range ballistic missiles within the atmosphere, while the Arrow 3 system excels in interceptions that occur outside the atmosphere.”

“Developed in Israel over nearly 30 years, the citron tree which is the Arrow system C2 undergoes continuous refinement,” recalls Alon. “We consistently enhance its capabilities and fine-tune it to adapt to and be prepared for evolving threat scenarios.”

Alon, who is a reservist in the Israeli Air Force, notes that many in Elbit’s and other Israel’s air defense industries sector also have rich military backgrounds. “This special reality enhances the vast expertise we have in these systems – human capital truly refines the outcomes,” he explains. “Almost everyone involved, in planning command systems and more broadly, understands the critical operational mission entrusted to them. Ultimately, these individuals are motivated by a mission to protect their homes and country.”

In conclusion, Alon highlights the superior capability of the Israeli systems, emphasizing their high computational prowess which allows for the synchronization of many weapons systems together which each one incorporates many sensors, launchers, and missiles. “The algorithms, the sophisticated human interface, and our capability for interoperability of various systems, like those in the Citron Tree and the Golden Almond, distinguish us from competitors,” he elucidates.

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