The "Iron Dome" system is designed to protect from the threat of projectile weapons, by intercepting short-distance rockets.

As the project was considered an emergency one, work at the Aerial Defense forces to install the "Iron Dome" began in concurrence with the developmental process.

At first, developers determined the needs from the system, its operational features, human resources needed and the structure of the unit. Next, a foundation team was integrated into the developmental industries, added to the industry projects in-process and was the basis of the founding of the "Iron Dome" unit in the Aerial Defense forces of the IAF.

Following the foundation of the unit, the Aerial Defense forces and the unit began intensive activity aimed to make the system operational and determined operational instructions and acquiring the professional knowledge. Moreover, training on the system, conducting intactness tests and examining the general capabilities of the system, which's development continues to advance throughout all stages of integration in the IAF.

In concurrence, the IAF founded the "Shield Administration", a professional administration which's role is to be the supporting authority in the integration of the unit in the Air Force. "Shield Administration", that entered its role in early 2010, is responsible for the implementation of additional Active Defense forces.

Experiments:

In July of 2009, the IDF reported successful experiment for the interception system and that for the first time, the system was able to intercept a number of targets and destroy them.

In January of 2010, the system completed a successful experiment in Southern Israel, in which a number of threats were intercepted and following which it was decided that the system is ready. In February of 2011, a final experiment was completed before deeming the system operational.

Equipping:

In March of 2009, the establishment team for the "Iron Dome" unit was founded, which was comprised of a select number of fighters, officers and technicians from every part of the Aerial Defense forces. Their job was to integrate into the security industries and likewise prepare logistic and operational infrastructures for the unit.

In May of 2009, Commander of the IAF, Ido Nehushtan, determined that a battalion of "Stinger" shoulder missile will be altered to a founding unit of the "Iron Dome" system.

Operational Deployment:

In March of 2011, the first battery of the "Iron Dome" unit was placed in the Be'er Sheva area in south Israel. In April of 2011 a battery was also placed in the Ashkelon area, facing Gaza strip.

The IDF emphasized that at this point, the system will conduct an "operational experiment" and that the systems are expected to wander around different sites in Israel until their final qualification. In April of 2011, the system successfully intercepted a Grad Rocket that was fired from the Gaza Strip toward Ashkelon.

Interception Missile "Tamir": equipped with an advanced homing system which allows it high maneuverability. Its job is to destruct the target in-air. The missile has great capabilities and is able to intercept any rocket threat in the arena. Additionally, the missile is able to intercept targets in all weather conditions.

Launcher: An independent unit that is deployed in the area, the system includes a number of launchers. The launcher is portable and its preparation and deployment time is only several minutes long.

Fire Control Radar: Its main sensor is used to mark targets and fire control in the "Iron Dome" system. Recognizes rocket launches and transfers the information on its flight track to the control center.

Interception Management Center: The heart of the "Iron Dome" system. Calculates the expected area of impact. Its job is to intercept the targets and after looking at the threat image at large, prioritizing targets in conjunction with the determined policy and allow the interceptor to home its target safely. The Interception Management Center includes fighters operating the system who are in touch with the appropriate command and control authorities.