Further step to Achieving FOC on Sa’ar 6-class
Rafael and the Israel Missile Defense Organization (IMDO) have successfully completed a series of rigorous tests for the naval version of the Iron Dome air defence system – designated C-Dome – a significant step towards achieving full operational capability (FOC) on the Israeli Navy’s Sa’ar 6-class corvettes.
Tested onboard the Magen corvette, C-Dome demonstrated excellent capability to intercept and neutralise advanced threats posing a danger to strategic assets and infrastructure. The comprehensive test series included simulations of both existing and future threats, including rockets, cruise missiles, and UAS. These tests successfully integrated shipboard systems with Israel’s multi-tier defence array and their success represents a significant milestone in continued development of the array, bolstering national defence capabilities against diverse threats in multiple conflict scenarios.
C-Dome reinforces the defensive capabilities of the Sa’ar 6 corvettes and complements existing operational defence tiers, such as Iron Dome, David’s Sling, Arrow 2, and Arrow 3. Rafael serves as prime contractor and developer of the Iron Dome system, collaborating with valued subcontractors such as Elta Systems and mPrest to ensure the integration of cutting-edge radar and command-and-control systems. “The C-Dome system constitutes a significant leap forward in our defence capabilities, and ensures the Israeli defence establishment’s superiority and operational capabilities in the face of growing threats in the maritime arena. The system’s naval adaptation is part of our advanced multi-tier air and missile defence system,” explained Israeli Minister of Defence, Yoav Gallant.
Moshe Patel, Director of IMDO, added “The Israeli defence establishment is constantly upgrading the Iron Dome’s capabilities on land and at sea to increase its effectiveness. During this current campaign, we successfully tested the Naval Iron Dome’s new capabilities aboard the Sa’ar 6 corvette, together with additional systems in Israel’s multi-tier air and missile defence array, including connectivity between systems on-board with those on land, and a new radar developed to protect Israel’s exclusive economic zone. The system successfully identified various threats including rockets, UAVs and cruise missiles, and destroyed them using interceptors launched from onboard the ship at sea, with exceptional precision. The preparation and execution of this test was done in parallel with the successful operational participation of Iron Dome and David’s Sling during Operation ‘Shield and Arrow’. We continue to provide technological support for current needs, alongside development of new solutions for future threats”.
