S-400 Triumf vs Rafael Iron Dome? Who Comes Up Top?

The advancement of missile defense technology has become a pivotal aspect of modern military strategies, shaping the security landscape of nations across the globe. Among the prominent missile defense systems, the Iron Dome developed by Israel and the S-400 Triumf developed by Russia have garnered significant attention due to their operational capabilities and geopolitical implications. Both the systems are in the middle of burning debates at the very moment you are reading – while one is hungry to smash jets in the Russo-Ukrainian War while another is smashing down Hamas rockets to pieces. Ok enough of the intro, let’s delve into the details.

A Brief History

Iron Dome – Israel had pretty much been engaged in conflicts with Hezbollah of Lebanon, Gaza etc. and the nation had been in receiving ends of multiple rocket fires. In 2004, the IDF’s Research and Development Department came up with the idea of rocket and missile defense system and in the subsequent year, Israel decided to start the program and US’ Lockheed Martin lost to Israel’s own Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. This design of Rafael went from the drawing board to combat readiness within 4 years of development and after many rounds of testing involving dummy and mimic Katyusha and Qassams rockets, Iron Dome was declared ready for operational deployment by Israel Defense Forces in 2011.

S-400 – Russian Air Force was the one who voiced the need of this type of system in 1993 and the whole project was meant to be an upgrade of the then existing S-300 missile defense system. By 1998, S-400 saw its completion and 1999 was the first year of operational deployment after which many concerns arose and it literally failed to live up to its greatest strength – deterring ballistic missiles. 2004 was the year when S-400 got the green light in its project upgrades and it showed its powers in ballistic trials in 2007 when Russia finally approved it to be fit for operational deployment.

Operational Effectiveness

While both of these are one of the best surface-to-air missile defense systems, they hold their ground in different playgrounds as the Iron Dome is a short-range goalkeeper while the S-400 is meat for the longer grounds.

Iron Dome – The system is designed to counter short-range rockets and 155mm artillery shells with a maximum range of upto 70km (43 miles). It is a all-weather system and can be operated both in day/night and rough weather conditions. It has a maximum speed of Mach 2.2.

S-400 – It has a maximum effective range of 400 km. It has a dual speed limiter, one with a cap of Mach 2.5 and another at Mach 14 but the use depends on the application status and the target variant such as rockets, conventional missiles, ballistic missile etc.

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Mobility

Iron Dome is a movable system but there’s a twist as the inactive launchers are needed to be mounted on trucks/trailers and need to be off-loaded and setup again once they reach the destination. Iron Dome batteries can be transported by road or rail, and can even be deployed by air using transport aircraft.

On the other hand, the S-400 is a fully mobile system and the launchers are permanently fixed to the driving body. The launcher vehicle of the S-400 is the 5P85TE2. It is a self-propelled transporter erector launcher (TEL) that can carry up to four launch tubes. The 5P85TE2 is based on the BAZ-64022 6×6 tractor truck chassis and it is highly mobile and can operate in a variety of terrain conditions. It has a maximum speed of 60 km/h on roads, 25 km/h off-road and has a range of 800 km on a single tank of fuel.

What sets the Iron Dome unique to other SAMs?

– A standard air defense missile battery typically comprises a radar unit, a missile control unit, and multiple launchers, all positioned at a single site. In contrast, the Iron Dome system is designed for dispersed deployment. Each launcher, equipped with 20 interceptors, is autonomously deployed and controlled remotely through a secure wireless connection. Launchers of the same system can be positioned at different parts of an area and the whole mechanism is ideal for urban aerial defence. It has been reported that each Iron Dome battery has the capacity to safeguard an urban area spanning around 150 square kilometers (58 square miles).

Radar Capabilities

Iron Dome – ELM-2084 radar system is a key component of the Iron Dome missile defense system. It is a multi-mission radar system that is capable of detecting, tracking, and classifying a wide range of threats, including rockets, artillery shells, and mortars. Developed by ELTA Systems Ltd., a subsidiary of Israel Aerospace Industries, the ELM-2084 is a ground-based mobile 3D AESA Radar. The ELM 2084, functioning as a tactical radar, constitutes a mobile system comprising the radar unit, a control module, a cooling unit, and a power generator. Its versatile design allows it to be mounted on a variety of transport platforms.

• Hostile Weapon Location: It excels in detecting and tracking hostile ballistic projectiles, enabling the calculation of enemy launcher or artillery positions.
• Early Warning: The radar system calculates impact points, serving as a warning system for civilian populations and military rear units.
• Friendly Fire Ranging: It tracks friendly artillery, providing necessary corrections to the firing unit to prevent unintended incidents.
• Aerial Surveillance: The radar system is adept at detecting and tracking aircraft, ensuring continuous aerial monitoring.
• Firing Control Radar: It serves as a vital component for various air defense systems, including but not limited to Iron Dome, David’s Sling, Skyhunter, and SPYDER-MR (Medium Range), all of which are other weapon systems of Israel.

S-400 – Moving target indication (MTI): MTI allows the S-400 radar system to filter out ground clutter and other stationary objects, so that it can focus on tracking moving targets.

• Pulse-Doppler processing: Pulse-Doppler processing allows the S-400 radar system to measure the velocity of targets, which can be used to classify targets and to predict their trajectories.
• Electronic countermeasures (ECM): The S-400 radar system is equipped with a number of ECM features to protect it from jamming and other interference.
• These characteristics are also present in the Iron Dome but according to defense analysts, those present in the S-400 are much better as it should be given the heavier threats it is meant to counter. The S-400 radar system is composed of several different radar variants, each of which has its own specific role. The following are some of the most important radar variants of the S-400:
• 92N6E: The 92N6E radar is the main acquisition and tracking radar for the S-400 system. It has a range of up to 400-500 km(debatable) and can track up to 300 targets simultaneously.
• 48N6DM: The 48N6DM radar is a multi-function radar that can be used for target acquisition, tracking, and missile guidance. It has a range of up to 250 km and can track up to 100 targets simultaneously.
• 96L6E: The 96L6E radar is a low-altitude acquisition and tracking radar. It has a range of up to 40 km and can track up to 100 targets simultaneously.
• PROSTAV-M: The PROSTAV-M radar is a mobile surveillance radar that can be used to detect and track aircraft, cruise missiles, and UAVs. It has a range of up to 150 km and can track up to 40 targets simultaneously.

Also Read, Explained: How S400 Air Defence System Works?

Operational Capabilities and Experience

Iron Dome – In the same month of March 2011 when the 1st Iron Dome was stationed in Beersheba, it was successful in thwarting two rocket attacks. In that same year till December there were scores of rockets fired in Israel most of which were in Beersheba and Ashkalon. It achieved 75% success rate with one casualty across all attacks when a person died after a rocket hit an apartment. Following the IDF’s operation targeting Zohair al-Qaisi, the secretary general of the Popular Resistance Committees in Gaza, on March 9, 2012, over 300 rockets were launched towards Israel. Out of these, 177 landed on Israeli territory. During these incidents, the Iron Dome system made 71 attempts to intercept rockets aimed at population centres, successfully neutralizing at least 56 of them. According to the Israeli Air Force, during Operation “Pillar of Defense,” which took place from November 14 to 21, 2012, the Iron Dome system successfully made 421 interceptions. On November 17, after two rockets were launched towards Tel Aviv, prompting concerns, an Iron Dome battery was swiftly deployed in the area. Remarkably, within hours of its deployment, the system intercepted a third rocket. Notably, this fifth battery had not been scheduled to become operational until early 2013. CNN reported an estimate indicating that Iron Dome’s success rate during Operation Pillar of Defense was approximately 85%.

During Operation Protective Edge, which took place between July 8 and August 26, 2014, the Iron Dome missile defense system played a crucial role in intercepting and neutralizing rockets launched by militant groups in the Gaza Strip towards populated areas in Israel. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that Iron Dome had an overall success rate of approximately 90% during this operation. On May 10, 2018, it was reported that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran allegedly fired 20 rockets from Syria towards Israel in response to recent Israeli airstrikes against IRGC facilities. According to an IDF spokesperson, 16 of the rockets fell short of the Israeli border, while Iron Dome intercepted the remaining four. Fortunately, there were no reported casualties or damage. Additionally, in mid-November 2018, the Iron Dome system successfully intercepted 100 rockets launched from the Gaza Strip.

During the 2021 Israel-Palestine crisis, Gaza-based Hamas militants launched more than 4,300 rockets at Israel between May 11 and 21. In the initial 24 hours of the conflict, an unprecedented 470 rockets were fired, surpassing the rates seen in previous conflicts. Notably, 17% of these rockets were long-range attacks targeting Tel Aviv, a higher proportion than before. Around 680 rockets intended for Israel fell short, landing in Gaza. The Iron Dome system successfully intercepted approximately 90% of the rockets aimed at populated areas within Israel. Additionally, during the operation, Iron Dome successfully shot down a bomb-laden drone, demonstrating its versatility in countering various threats.

Across all events Iron Dome had been marked with a success rate of 75-90% and is the most worked on SAM system in the world. Defense analysts also report it the considering the barrages of attacks it succeeds or fails to intercept, given the remarkably low number of Israeli casualties is the justification that it lies among the best aerial missile defense systems of the world. Rafael boasts its Iron Dome with the average 90% success rate but given the current situation in the 2023 Israel-Gaza war and among the information war going on too, it’s tough to determine the actual success rate of the system without any hardcore proof from the govt. And it is safe to say that its high effectiveness is currently facing its toughest challenge till date.

S-400 – Russia’s S-400 is nowhere no close to the level of activity Iron Dome has faced and its certainly natural given the country’s lack of ballistic threats faced. The nation currently deploys S-400 battalions across the Kamchatka peninsula, Novosibirsk Oblast, Northern and Southern Military districts, Pacific fleets, Baltic fleets etc. according to open source information. But officially there has been no record of registered combat deployments.

Vulnerabilities

• Iron Dome – Limited Range and Coverage: The Iron Dome system is designed to intercept short-range rockets and missiles. Its coverage area is limited to specific regions, and it may not provide comprehensive protection for larger areas, leaving some areas exposed to attacks.
• Saturation Attacks: In the event of a massive and simultaneous rocket barrage, the Iron Dome system might face challenges in intercepting a large number of incoming projectiles simultaneously. Saturation attacks could potentially overwhelm the system’s capabilities.
• Advanced Threats: As adversaries develop more advanced and maneuverable missiles, drones, or decoy tactics, the system may face challenges in accurately distinguishing between actual threats and countermeasures. Advanced threats may exploit gaps in the system’s capabilities.
• Electronic Warfare and Jamming: Adversaries might employ electronic warfare techniques to jam or disrupt the communication and guidance systems of Iron Dome, potentially impairing its effectiveness or rendering it temporarily inoperable.
• Limited Interception Altitude: Iron Dome is primarily designed for low-altitude interceptions. Threats at higher altitudes, such as advanced ballistic missiles or aircraft, may challenge the system’s interception capabilities.

S-400 – Saturation Attacks: Like any missile defense system, the S-400 could face challenges in intercepting a large number of incoming threats simultaneously, especially in the event of a saturation attack where numerous targets are launched simultaneously to overwhelm the system.
Stealth and Electronic Warfare: Advanced stealth technologies and electronic warfare tactics could potentially degrade the S-400’s ability to detect and engage certain targets, especially fifth-generation stealth aircraft designed to evade traditional radar systems. And this has been a boiling topic for a long time whether F-22s and F-35s can be detected by S-400s and as always it totally comes down to speculation.
Strategic Target: Considering the status and capabilities what this system carries, the S-400 is among the primary prized targets any enemy would want to strike down.

Users

Especially to cater the needs of United States of America, the country bought two Iron Dome systems which were co-developed by Israel’s Rafael and USA’s Raytheon, but according to the latest twist of events, they are reportedly giving Israel back their ID systems due to the current war against Hamas. Israel is still the main user for this weapon system. But there have been agreements signed (no open source information about exact number of batteries/launchers/interceptors etc.) by Cyprus, Singapore and Romania. Due to the civil conflicts and Yemen’s Houthi rebels oppression, USA had withdrew the THAAD and Raytheon MIM-104 Patriot systems from Saudi Arabia in 2021 and since then Saudi Arabia had been considering joining the Iron Dome user fleet.

Coming already as a heavy hitter, the S-400 Triumf comes with Russia as the host and the biggest user with more than 25 regiments of it. 57 battalions of batteries are there with 456 TELs (Transporter Erector Launchers). Among others, China and India are the other users. Both the countries made the Triumf deals in 2018. Turkey and Belarus are the two other smaller users of this system.

India’s context in it?

India is the 7th largest country in the world by land area and it takes a lot to cover up all the areas equally without compromising any firepower and given that we have Pakistan and China as our conflicting neighbours, we are in a much tighter spot for selection of surface-to-air missile defense systems. A neighbourhood stacked with a nuclear arsenal with who knows what numbers of death each one is capable of even if a single missile touches our ground. For that S-400 is actually a better choice for our aerial defense. After the success of the Iron Dome in the Operation Pillar of Defense, India considered plans to buy it and 6 months before that, DRDO was already making plans to pitch a similar indigenous system to the Ministry of Defense. On February 8, 2013, Indian Air Force Commander Air Chief Marshal Norman Anil Kumar Browne informed the media that the Iron Dome system was deemed unsuitable for their service after almost two years of deliberations.

The S-400 system is versatile and can engage a wide variety of targets, including aircraft, drones, and ballistic missiles. It provides a comprehensive defense against multiple types of threats. The Iron Dome system is specialized in countering short-range rocket threats. While it is highly effective against these specific threats, it does not offer the same level of versatility as the S-400.

The S-400 system is designed to counter advanced threats, including stealth aircraft and next-generation ballistic missiles. Its advanced radar systems and missiles are capable of tracking and engaging highly manoeuvrable and fast targets. While the Iron Dome is excellent at intercepting short-range rockets, it may not be as effective against more advanced aerial threats, such as stealth aircraft or long-range ballistic missiles. One important point that keeps arising is that Iron Dome is miles ahead in combat experience and research and development is also going on to make it a ballistic-worthy system. The Triumf massively lacks the real world battle experience and now more than ever, quality control issues have surfaced.

Russian weapons have been indeed seen to be not as stats-packed as they preach given the many records we have seen from the ongoing Ukraine war.

Example? several jets have fallen to MANPADs while 1/3rd fleet of Ka-52 Alligator which is considered one of the best attack helicopters and a direct competitor of AH-64 Apache, has already seen the fires of wreck. These types of events have raise the eyebrows over bigger Russian weapon systems and S-400 is one of them. However in this case it seems very unlikely as S-400 is consistently placed among the very best SAMs of the world. Russia itself does frequent trials of their system and according to global defense analysts, numbers of the S-400 don’t lie. A truly magnificent marvel which has placed itself in a consistent debate along the ranks of Raytheon’s MIM-104 Patriot and BAE Systems THAAD.

Project Kusha-India’s Own S400 Air Defence System

India’s Project Kusha is an ambitious indigenous program to develop a long-range air defense system with capabilities similar to Israel’s Iron Dome. It is being developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) at an estimated cost of Rs 21,700 crore and is expected to be deployed by 2028-29. Project Kusha is designed to detect and destroy a variety of hostile targets, including cruise missiles, stealth fighter jets, and drones at extended ranges. It will use a combination of radars, sensors, and missiles to create a multi-layered air defense shield. Project Kusha has received approval for funding amounting to approximately Rs 21,700 crore (approximately US$2.6 billion).This initiative is a joint effort between the DRDO and both private and public sector industries. As per the Indian Defense Research Wing, Project Kusha represents a significant milestone in India’s journey toward Aatmnirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).

India already possesses a variety of capable missile defense systems and in the near future it is only gonna get more powerful.