Israel's Arrow defense missile system compared to Iron Dome

Israel's aerial defense system is made up of several layers. While the Iron Dome works against smaller threats, the Arrow systems can intercept larger attacks, according to a report by Insider. The two are also complimented by the country's David's Sling defense system, which serves as Israel's "middle layer" of air defense.

Uzi Rubin, an Israeli engineer who oversaw the development of the Arrow system, told The Jerusalem Post that the AWS was developed to defend against more difficult targets than the Iron Dome can. Rubin also told the outlet that Tuesday's successful defense against a ballistic missile sends a message to neighboring countries that Israel is prepared to defend itself against even sophisticated, long-range weapons.

Still, Rubin warned that Israel's enemies could look to overwhelm the Arrow system, similar to how Hamas has overwhelmed the Iron Dome capabilities in the past. The Jerusalem Post noted that while shorter-range missiles that get past the Dome would inflict limited damage, a ballistic missile that successfully gets pat IDF's defenses could cause far more devastation.