Cyprus to buy Israeli Iron Dome air defense system

According to The Jerusalem Post on August 21, Israel’s Iron Dome missile air defense system is set to be purchased for the Cypriot National Guard after its Defense Ministry’s approval, the Cyprus edition of the Kathimerini daily has reported. The Cyprus National Guard is reportedly willing to add Rafael’s Iron Dome system to its arsenal. The system is considered ideal for both air defense and countering the threat of Turkish drones.

According to the report on issued on Friday, August 19, the agreement has been signed by both Israeli and Cypriot officials. The Israeli Defense Ministry did not respond to an inquiry about the reported deal.

The Iron Dome is effective for countering short-range rockets and 155 mm artillery shell threats with ranges of up to 70 km in all weather conditions, including low clouds, rain, dust storms, or fog. The Iron Dome has been developed by the Israeli Defence company Rafael.

The development of the Iron Dome began in January 2008. The system uses a unique interceptor with a special warhead that detonates any target in the air within seconds. The Iron Dome is a cost-effective system that can handle multiple threats simultaneously and efficiently.

The Iron Dome system became operational in early 2011, initially deployed at air force bases in southern Israel. It will be set up in other areas, such as the town of Sderot, during significant escalations along the Gaza border. In November 2020, the Iron Dome entered service with the US Army. In January 2021, U.S. Army took delivery of the second Iron Dome air defense missile system from Israel.