Combat-proven Iron Dome to debut at Aero India 2013
Israel’s participation at Aero India 2013 will be underscored by an outside display for the first time by missile house Rafael Advances Defense Systems Ltd. The heart of the display will be the Iron Dome system that gained much attention during the flare up between Israel and Palestine last year where the weapon system was used with great publicity. Needless to say, Israel considers India a potential customer of the now combat proven active defence system against short-range artillery rockets. It is described by Rafael as “the only dual mission counter rocket, artillery and mortar (C-RAM) and very shortrange air defence (VSHORAD) system.
Iron Dome is an affordable, effective and innovative defence solution (CR&AM class) to the asymmetric threats of short range rockets, (up to and over 70 km), and mortars as well as VSHORAD missiles system (up to 10 km) against traditional air defence targets.” Rafael’s outdoor display will also include the David’s Sling (Stunner), a multi-mission multi-platform interceptor developed in partnership with US firm Raytheon. The SpyDer short-range and medium-range air defence systems (which the IAF has ordered, though yet to be delivered) will also be showcased for the first time.
The Python-5 IR-guided short-range air-to-air missile and Derby BVRAAM (already on the LUSH upgraded Sea Harriers of the Indian Navy and chosen as the primary BVR weapon on the LCA Tejas) will be on display once again this year. Rafael will also field the MIC4AD advanced unified integrated C4I system that commands and controls operations of both air and missile defence missions. The company will also field electro-optical and communication systems including the litening, reccelite, toplite, imilite and global link. Also at the outdoor display will be the entire family of Spike tactical guided missile systems.