The Iron Dome is Israel's short range anti-missile defence system, used to intercept incoming rocket attacks.
Israel currently has five Iron Dome air defence batteries in operation, rushing to deploy the fifth unit as tensions with Hamas heated up in the Gaza Strip in mid-November.
The four batteries in operation since before the death of Hamas military leader Ahmed al-Jaabari have so father gathered success rate estimated to be between 70 and 90 per cent. To date, they have shot down over 200 rockets, including several targeting the commercial hub of Tel Aviv on November 18, 2012.
Battery units: According to , each battery comprises detection and tracking radar, state-of-the-art fire control software and three launchers, each with 20 interceptor missiles.
Cost: A single battery costs around $45 million. The US government has provided funds to Israel to develop and purchase units.
Range: The Iron Dome is specifically designed for rockets between the four and 70 kilometre range.
Creation: Iron Dome was created by Israeli-based company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems.
Watch: How does Iron Dome work?
