Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, alongside the Israel Missile Defense Organization (IMDO) and in collaboration with the Israeli Navy, has successfully completed a series of comprehensive tests for the naval version of the Iron Dome system, known as C-Dome, the company announced on 5 June 2023.
The tests mark a significant step toward achieving the final operational capability of the C-Dome system on the Israeli Navy’s Sa’ar 6 (Magen-class) corvettes.
“Throughout the rigorous testing process, the C-Dome system installed on the Sa’ar 6 corvettes demonstrated its exceptional capability to intercept and neutralise advanced threats that pose a danger to Israel’s strategic assets and infrastructure within its exclusive economic zone,” Rafael stated in a press release. “The operational personnel of the Israeli Navy flawlessly operated the systems during the tests, showcasing the readiness of the Magen corvettes.
The tests included simulations of existing and future threats that the Sa’ar 6 corvettes could encounter in times of conflict, including rockets, cruise missiles, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The tests successfully integrated shipboard systems with Israel’s national multi-tier air and missile defence network.
The integration of the C-Dome system reinforces the defensive capabilities of the Sa’ar 6 corvettes, enhancing their capacity to safeguard assets within Israel’s exclusive economic zone. As an additional layer with Israel’s air and missile defence network, the C-Dome system complements the existing operational tiers provided by the Iron Dome, David’s Sling, Arrow 2, and Arrow 3 systems.
The IMDO, a division of Israel’s Directorate for Defense Research and Development (DDR&D), oversees the development of these systems, with Rafael serving as the prime contractor and developer of the Iron Dome system.
“The C-Dome system constitutes a significant leap forward in our defence capabilities, and ensures the Israeli defence establishment’s superiority and operational capabilities in the face of growing threats in the maritime arena,” Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant was quoted as saying in a Rafael press release. “I would like to express my great appreciation for the Directorate for Defense R&D, the IDF, and Rafael for turning a tech vision into reality.”
Rear Admiral Ariel Shir, head of the Israeli Navy’s Material, Technology and Logistics Command, was quoted as saying, “This experiment is further evidence of the development and improvement [in] capabilities of the various systems in the face of threats, and the ability of the … ship systems to operate in an integrated and complete manner – from the construction of the naval and aerial picture, through the discovery, classification and identification of threats, and ending with interception and accurate destruction of the threats.
“These capabilities were achieved through close co-operation with the Ministry of Defense/DDR&D, Israeli industries, Israeli Air Force and naval engineers and personnel at the headquarters and on the vessels,” the admiral added. “The experiment included both an improvement in the existing systems, and a proof of capability for a new anti-aircraft missile that significantly improves the defence envelope of the … ships, both independently and as part of the national anti-aircraft network.”
Peter Felstead
