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.

David G:

I’ve asked you this before, but received no reply. Where did you get the idea the Israel has the fourth largest army in the world? For a population of some 7 or 8 million, 25% of which do not serve in the armed forces, this is quite an impressive, if not unbelievable, achievement.

“…rockets fired by those under occupation or blockade that are lucky to hit anything important”

As stated earlier, there is no occupation in Gaza, there hasn’t been for many years. I have also provided links to statements by both PA and Hamas official, as well as a first hand description by an Egyptian journalist, all stating that for all intents and purposes there is no blockade or siege of Gaza.

Iron Dome is certainly a success story and a global game changer, regardless of your political views.

Avw,

Since Gaza is as free as a bird, how does one gain entry into this zone?

http://wikitravel.org/en/Gaza

Oh, and there's this.....just to keep things rolling...hardly conducive to any real effort towards peace.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-12-01/us-says-israeli-settlement-plans-counterproductive/4402412

AVW, "Argue not with fools, frauds and fanatics. Seek instead better companions!"

I guess one good thing about Iron Dome is that it uses its firepower to destroy incoming projectiles, rather than destroying the densely populated areas on the ground from which they are fired. I guess we only have IDF footage and say-so to go by, but this might mean that Palestinian mosques and schools are now a little safer. Or it might not. In that regard, surely Iron Dome is a step in the right direction? It treats the rockets and missiles as the target, rather than the people firing them. While some would argue that the rockets will keep coming as long as they have people to fire them, it could also be argued that when the rockets become completely ineffective, Hamas will see no point in sending them over the border.

Nwesflash, a Goliath is already using it.
A least, compared to the Palestinians Israel is a Goliath.
Anthony
http://www.observationpoint.com.au

Hi Jay

I agree Trophy is an impressive defence system. However I think the IDF and other advanced militaries will be making more use of unmanned systems such as Guardium.

See:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdDzUP2heC0

If the IDF had needed to enter Gaza I think a flotilla of unmanned vehicles would have preceded the troops to identify and help kill threats before exposing IDF personnel to danger.

BAE systems are also working on their Black Knight unmanned ground combat vehicle technology demonstrator.

See:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Knight_(vehicle)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hRDs__6dFsE

Apparently the US army expects one third of its combat and logistics vehicles to be unmanned by 2030. I think that's a ridiculously conservative estimate.

Iron Dome may be a step in the right direction. When every country has the system then this will make them less vulnerable to attack by countries such as the USA. The shock and awe would not have been as effective in killing civilians, and Iran would be less worried about being attacked for its weapons of mass destruction (where have I heard that before?). The drones would be useless and a lot more civilians would stay alive longer.

David G:

A very intelligent, constructive response. Did it take you long to write?
Do you really have nothing else to say to counter arguments challenging your extreme views? Who is the fool here?

Poirot:

“Since Gaza is as free as a bird, how does one gain entry into this zone?”

If you care to read the link you thoughtfully provided, you would find the following:

“The main point of entry is through the Erez crossing in the north, on the border with Israel... Another way in is through the Rafah Crossing in the South, on the border with Egypt.”

Not difficult to find after all is it?

“…just to keep things rolling...hardly conducive to any real effort towards peace”

This article is about Iron Dome, and we are digressing. But since you mentioned it, do you consider the ongoing rockets from Gaza conductive to a real and genuine effort towards peace?

Avw,

I was being sarcastic (we do need a sarcasm punctuation mark:)
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/news/6995354/Sarcasm-punctuation-mark-aims-to-put-an-end-to-email-confusion.html

I was referring to the contorted lengths one has to go to to achieve access to Gaza through Israel - hardly ease of entry or exit for an area that is "not" under siege or duress.

My point about "..not being conducive to peace." (as you well know) was in relation to Israel "further" ratcheting up disaffection by announcing an expansion of settlements....actually provocative in the extreme.