Israel has deployed its C-Dome defense system for the first time in operational use against a suspicious aerial target near Eilat. The C-Dome, a naval version of the Iron Dome air defense system, is used to shield against rocket and missile attacks at sea. The system was deployed when a "hostile aircraft" entered Israeli airspace near Eilat, and the target was successfully intercepted without injuries or damage. The deployment is being tested due to a surge in attacks since the outbreak of Israel's military campaign in Gaza, which has targeted Eilat.
What happened?
Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported an alert in the Eilat area, which was targeted in February by intercepted ballistic missile fire from Yemen's Houthi rebels, allies of Palestinian militants Hamas. The IDF identified a suspicious aerial target crossing into Israeli territory and successfully intercepted it using the 'C-Dome' naval defense system. The navy tracked the target before shooting it down, marking its first operational use of the system. The suspected drone entered Israeli airspace from the eastern direction, with no reports of damage or injuries. The C-Dome, mounted on German-made warships, uses the same interceptor as the Iron Dome, which has been used to intercept rockets fired from the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip. The Iron Dome costs approximately $50,000 per launch.
Have there been attacks on Eilat?
Beachgoers in Eilat captured footage of an interception over the city, which has been targeted multiple times during the Gaza Strip conflict. Social media clips showed two interceptor missiles launched from the Sa’ar 6-class corvette. Iran-backed groups, including Yemen’s Houthis, the Islamic Resistance of Iraq, and a Syrian group linked to Lebanon’s Hezbollah, have repeatedly attacked Eilat since October 7. In November, a drone launched from Syria struck a school in Eilat, while a drone launched from Iraq struck a Navy hangar in Eilat Bay.
What is the C-Dome and how does it work?
The C-Dome, a naval version of Israel's Iron Dome rocket defense system, is now operational for the first time. Developed by Rafael, a state-owned defense technology company, the C-Dome is integrated into the ship's radar to detect incoming targets, ensuring full-circular vessel protection and high kill probability against a full spectrum of modern threats. The system was first used in combat for the first time in October after the Hamas attack and continues to be deployed in Israel's military campaign.
The C-Dome has three components: TAMIR interceptors, a modular Vertical-Launch Unit (VLU), and a Command & Control (C2) component.
The use of the vessel's surveillance radar eliminates the need for a dedicated radar. Rafael Advanced Defence Systems claims that the C-Dome is a highly advanced warhead that ensures high kill probability against a wide range of targets. The interceptor is extremely agile and has a high rate-of-turn, enabling intercept even the most maneuverable targets. Its state-of-the-art proximity fuse maximizes lethality, and its powerful warhead ensures target destruction.
Israeli authorities announced that the C-Dome has completed tests aboard the Sa'ar 6-class corvette, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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