Why are Palestinian Rockets Getting Past Israel’s Iron Dome Defense System? Defenseworld.net Team 489
Iron dome defense system illustration
Over the past few days, Israel has been attacked with rockets from Palestinian fighters, some which have got past the country’s much publicized ‘Iron Dome’ defensive system designed to block rocket barrages.
Various reports put the number of rockets fired from the Palestinian side as between 500 to 1500 over the course of 3 days. According to Israeli reports, some these rockets hit homes killing 2 persons and others struck an empty bus setting it on fire and injuring three people nearby.
70 rockets in 30 minutes
IDF to get Iron Sting guided mortar bombs
16 March 2021
by Yaakov Lappin
Elbit’s 120 mm Iron Sting laser and GPS-guided mortar munition is set to enter service with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the Israeli Ministry of Defense (MoD) announced on 14 March.
A still from a video shows an Iron Sting mortar round accurately hitting a target during trials. (Israeli Minsitry of Defense)
The MoD released a joint statement from its Directorate of Defense Research and Development (DDR&D), the IDF Ground Forces, and Elbit Systems that said the munition has successfully completed final trials in southern Israel, marking the end of its development and clearing the path for serial production for the IDF. The IDF Ground Forces Command is leading the integration of Iron Sting with operational units.
Israel selects CH-53K as replacement heavy lift helicopter
26 February 2021
by Yaakov Lappin
Israel announced its long-awaited decision on the acquisition of next-generation heavy-lift helicopter on 25 February after it announced it has opted for the Sikorsky CH-53K King Stallion.
A CGI of a CH-53K with Israeli markings. (Lockheed Martin)
The Israeli Ministry of Defense (MoD) said in a statement that defense minister Benny Gantz accepted the recommendation presented by Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Aviv Kohavi and Defense Ministry director general Major General (res) Amir Eshel to select the CH-53K.
Israel was also considering Boeing’s CH-47 Chinook as a possible replacement for the CH-53 Yasur helicopters the Israeli Air Force (IAF) has operated since the late 1960s.