United States approved a new defense spending for Israeli Iron Dome air defense system 1707142

a

Defence & Security News - Israel / United States

 
 
Thursday, July 17, 2014 11:39 AM
 
United States approved a new defense spending for Israeli Iron Dome air defense system.
Congress of United States is showing tangible support for longtime ally Israel as Gaza militants fire rockets, backing a measure that would double the amount of money for Israel's Iron Dome missile defense system.
     
Congress of United States is showing tangible support for longtime ally Israel as Gaza militants fire rockets, backing a measure that would double the amount of money for Israel's Iron Dome missile defense system.
Iron Dome launch unit at Eurosatory 2014, International Defense and Security Exhibition in Paris, France.
     
The U.S. Senate Appropriations defense subcommittee approved a defense spending bill on Tuesday, July 15, 2014, that would provide $621.6 million for Israeli missile defense, including $351 million for the Iron Dome system that intercepts short-range rockets and mortars. The system was developed by Israel but financed in part by hundreds of millions of dollars from the U.S.

Since 1988 and the early days of U.S.-Israeli cooperation on missile defense, presidents have proposed a specific amount for the program knowing full well that members of Congress will increase the funds, especially after they hear from Israel.

The Iron Dome is an Advanced Air Defense System designed to counter rocket, artillery and mortar (C-RAM) and Very Short Range Air Defense (VSHORAD) system. . Iron Dome is an affordable, effective and innovative defense solution (CR&AM Class) for the asymmetric threats of short-range rockets, (up to 70 km), and mortars, and also serves as a VSHORAD Missile System (up to 10 km) against traditional Air Defense targets.

The Iron Dome system has been selected by the Israeli Defense Ministry to provide the lowest layer of Israel Multi-Layered Air & Missiles Defense umbrella. Iron Dome was chosen as the best system, offering the most comprehensive defense solution from a range of threats, in relatively short development cycle and low cost-per-kill.

Since becoming operational by the Israeli Air Force in April 2011, Iron Dome has successfully intercepted over 500 rockets that have been fired from the Gaza Strip at Southern and Central Israel. Iron Dome system has achieved a very high rate of successful interceptions. In doing so, the system saved lives and prevented serious damages to property.