IAI: Israel’s Technological Response to Iran

Arrow

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), a national cornerstone of Israel’s aerospace and defense industry, played a critical strategic role during Operation “Lion’s Rising,” in response to an unprecedentedly intense and coordinated attack from Iran.Thanks to its advanced land and aerial systems, IAI enabled the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Home Front Command to detect all incoming threats and issue real-time alerts to the civilian population.

The Arrow-2 and Arrow-3 interceptor systems precisely neutralized ballistic missiles launched from Iran, while the Heron (Shoval) and Heron TP (Eitan) drones carried out thousands of long-range missions within the so-called “third circle,” effectively safeguarding Israeli troops. The Barak MX system, in both its land-based and naval versions, delivered a robust response to aerial and maritime threats, including cruise missiles, rockets, aircraft, and anti-ship missiles.

As Israel’s “space house,” IAI also deployed its Ofek reconnaissance satellites, which scanned tens of millions of square kilometers using optical and radar sensors, providing high-resolution imagery 24/7. The Amos communication satellites ensured uninterrupted operational communication across all fronts.

For the first time, several of these technologies were operationally deployed in the “third circle,” thousands of kilometers from Israel, with the aid of artificial intelligence capabilities. This synergy enabled multi-domain connectivity—land, sea, air, and space—integrating various fronts into a unified operational architecture. Through real-time data fusion, both military and political decision-makers were able to act swiftly and effectively.

“The State of Israel has shown the world that it possesses some of the most advanced operational capabilities, driven by technological superiority and unwavering strategic preparedness. For the first time, our country faced a coordinated attack of hundreds of ballistic missiles. We are proud that the systems developed by IAI enabled a strategic response across all fronts. This success is the result of tireless efforts by our teams since October 7, 2023, with a single goal: protecting Israeli citizens,” said Boaz Levy, President and CEO of IAI.

Barak MX

During the Operation, approximately 550 ballistic missiles were launched in successive waves, accompanied by hundreds of cruise missiles and thousands of drones and rockets, fired simultaneously from multiple locations.

Advanced radar systems such as Green Pine (Oren Yarok) and the Multi-Mission Radar (MMR) detected, identified, and tracked all aerial threats. Their data guided interceptors with remarkable precision, even during complex multi-warhead and saturation attacks. The MF-STAR radars installed on the Israeli Navy’s Saar-6 corvettes provided highly accurate aerial pictures, aiding the guidance of interceptor missiles to their targets.

The Israeli Air Force employed the full suite of cutting-edge technologies developed by IAI. Intelligence aircraft including the Eitam, Shavit, and Oron from the Nachshon Squadron enabled the gathering of strategic intelligence and operational coordination. Boeing B-707 tanker aircraft transferred millions of liters of fuel during more than 700 aerial refueling missions, allowing Israeli fighter jets to strike targets at ultra-long ranges.

Observation satellites equipped with Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and electro-optical sensors transmitted critical real-time information to decision-makers. Finally, electronic warfare systems, including COMINT and ELINT capabilities, also contributed high-precision intelligence and supported operations on the ground.

Caroline Haïat