BANGALORE, India India has rejected Israel’s Iron Dome air defense system, offered to the Indian Air Force nearly two years ago. Indian Ai...
India has rejected Israel’s Iron Dome air defense system, offered to the Indian Air Force nearly two years ago.
Indian Air Force Chief Marshal N. A. K Browne, told reporters at Aero India 2013 that Iron Dome is not suitable for the service.
The announcement puts to rest speculation in the media that India is negotiating to buy Iron Dome from Israel.
Sources in the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) attending Aero India said India and Israel have been discussing the purchase of Iron Dome and the David Sling air defense system, jointly made by the U.S. and Israel, for more than two years.
Israel used Iron Dome to protect its cities from Palestinian rockets during the recent conflict between the two.
The missile system is designed to intercept and destroy short-range rockets and artillery shells fired from distances of 4 to 70 kilometers away.
Rafael, Iron Dome's maker claimed, it had shot down 85 per cent of Fajr 5 and Qassam rockets fired by Palestine.It took three to five batteries of Iron Dome to protect Tel Aviv.
The system has undoubtedly been a tactical success for Israel. Palestinian rockets have become far less effective at causing casualties and damage.
But in india's context, the weapon system is ineffective and a waste of money.
The size of Tel Aviv is just about 176sqkm with about 52sqkm estimated to have been targeted by the Palestine.
The National Capital Territory of NewDelhi, in comparison, is spread over 1,483sqkm.
Secondly, Iron Dome engaged one of the world's most obsolete Qassam rockets. These rocket's are build with outdated technology, making them easier to intercept. Hence the system is yet to prove its mettle against current rockets which India has to confront.
