Iron dome is an impressive piece of kit, Rafael have also developed the Trophy Active Protection System for vehicles, so even a relatively obsolete tank or IFV can now have its service life extended via the use of Trophy and modular armour packs or ERA, the next generation is expected to be able to intercept long rod penetrator rounds too, which given their vastly higher speed is quite incredible.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bNpPHKM0SY

Ah, how the infantile boys love their dangerous toys. And now we have a new wonder toy, one that helped to protect citizens in a country that has the forth-most powerful army from rockets fired by those under occupation or blockade that are lucky to hit anything important.

What would've been a more useful article, Steven, was one that announced a new peace initiative or a giving up of nuclear weapons, or an entire disarmament of an army.

It's amazing that so much science is dedicated to killing rather than advancing peace.

I guess that scientists have to carry much of the blame for this!

David G,
Well let's hope you don't need protection from flying projectiles one day.

David G, you say “It's amazing that so much science is dedicated to killing rather than advancing peace.”

Yes… but the technology described in this article is designed to save lives, not to take them. Its only purpose is defensive. That rather a positive use of technology, I’d have thought (unless you think saving Israeli lives is a bad thing?)

Rhian,

<the technology described in this article is designed to save lives, not to take them>

Rather too glib ---it's certainly not as simple as that, the system also allows Israel to attack the Palestinians with a reduced probability of effective retaliation, so unless you think saving Palestinian lives is a "bad thing", no progress has been made.

Mac

I think saving Palestinian lives and saving Israeli lives are equally good things.

Your argument presumes that Iron Dome makes Israel more likely to attack. I expect the opposite to be true. Without the capacity to prevent Palestinian bombs from harming its citizens, Israel would be more likely to resort to more intensive and extensive bombing to try to deter attacks.