Missile Defence in the US-Israel-Iran Conflict | 02 Mar 2026

Source: TH 

Why in News? 

The US–Israel–Iran conflict has brought missile defence and interceptor systems to the forefront of modern warfare. Waves of missiles and drones have tested multi-layered air defence networks, highlighting their strategic importance in high-intensity conflicts.

What is a Missile Defence System?

• About: Missile defense refers to a comprehensive military architecture designed to detect, track, and destroy incoming enemy projectiles before they reach their targets.
• Key Components:
  • Sensors: Satellites in Earth's orbit and ground-based radar stations watch the sky to spot threats and track their speed and direction.
  • Command Centres: Military personnel use powerful computers to process sensor data, calculate endangered targets, and determine the optimal response.
  • Interceptors: The physical missiles launched to fly toward and destroy the incoming threat.
• Strategic Value: Beyond saving lives and infrastructure, these systems act as a deterrent. By rendering enemy missiles ineffective, they discourage the initiation of conflicts and provide political leaders with critical time to deliberate on responses.

How does a Missile Interceptor Work?

• Detection and Tracking: A stationary ground radar steers thousands of radio beams across the sky. 
  • When a beam bounces off an object, a computer analyzes the signal to estimate the target's speed, altitude, and trajectory.
• Achieving a "Lock": If deemed a threat, the radar concentrates its energy on that specific point in the sky, continuously updating the target's position.
• Launch Command: The Engagement Control Station (ECS) calculates the trajectory and sends a signal to the launcher truck to ignite the interceptor's rocket motor.
• Mid-Air Guidance: As the interceptor flies, the ground radar tracks both the enemy target and the interceptor, sending guidance commands to the latter.
• Terminal Phase Destruction: In its final seconds, the interceptor uses its onboard "seeker" (a miniature radar) to locate the target. It destroys the threat using one of two methods:
  • Proximity Fuse: Blows up a powerful warhead near the target, destroying it with shrapnel (used in older models).
  • Hit-to-Kill: The interceptor steers directly into the target, shattering it through sheer kinetic energy (used in modern systems).

What are the Key Defence Systems Deployed in the US–Israel–Iran Conflict?

United States

• THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense): THAAD intercepts short- and intermediate-range ballistic missiles in the terminal phase at high altitudes using hit-to-kill technology, protecting bases and cities.
• Patriot Missile System: Provides last-line defence against ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and aircraft, widely used to protect critical infrastructure and military installations.
• SM-3 & SM-6 (US Navy): Sea-based interceptors. SM-3 destroys ballistic missiles during midcourse flight, while SM-6 targets missiles, aircraft, and drones in the terminal phase.
• Indirect Fire Protection Capability (IFPC): Uses AIM-9X (a premier, short-range, infrared-tracking, air-to-air, and surface-launched interceptor missile) to defend bases from drones and rockets, helping conserve expensive Patriot missiles.

Israel

• Arrow-2 & Arrow-3: Long-range ballistic missile defence. Arrow-3 intercepts missiles outside the atmosphere (exo-atmospheric), while Arrow-2 operates within the atmosphere.
• David’s Sling: Designed to intercept medium- to long-range rockets, cruise missiles, and tactical ballistic missiles, bridging the gap between Arrow and Iron Dome.
• Iron Dome: Short-range defence system effective against rockets, artillery shells, and drones, with high success rates against low-speed threats.
• Iron Beam: Directed-energy laser system that destroys drones and small projectiles at low cost, reducing reliance on expensive interceptors.

United Arab Emirates

• Cheongung II: South Korean medium-range air defence system with 360° radar and vertical launch capability, effective against low-flying cruise missiles and tactical ballistic threats over the Persian Gulf.

Iran

• Bavar-373: Long-range air defence system designed to intercept aircraft and ballistic missiles, comparable to advanced surface-to-air missile systems.
• Sevom-e-Khordad: Mobile air defence system capable of targeting aircraft and cruise missiles, enhancing survivability through rapid relocation.
• Tor-M1: Short-range system used to intercept precision-guided munitions, drones, and low-flying cruise missiles.
• Majid & Azarakhsh: Systems designed to counter drones and low-flying aerial threats, protecting critical facilities.