Israeli Navy Conducts Complex C-Dome Test from Sa’ar 6 corvette

Complex C-Dome Test from Sa'ar 6 corvette
INS Magen firing C-Dome system (Screenshot from IDF video)
On May 29, 2023, the IDF Maritime Department and the Israel Missile Defense Organization Directorate conducted a series of live firings of the C-Dome naval point defense system from the Sa'ar 6-class corvette INS Magen.
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Rafael Defence Systems, the manufacturer of C-Dome (the naval version of the Iron Dome system), stated on social media that the test-firing was conducted successfully, and the C-Dome has dealt with advanced threats to infrastructure and strategic assets in the ‘Exclusive economic zone (EEZ)’ of the State of Israel.

“The “C-Dome” system represents a significant advance in maritime defense capabilities, enabling the defense system to ensure its superiority and operational freedom of action in the face of increasing threats in the maritime domain.” said Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant.

“The system in its naval version joins the multi-layered defense system of the State of Israel, which is considered a pioneer on a global scale. I am very grateful to the Israel Defense Forces, the IDF and Rafael for turning a technological vision into an actual operational capability on the ground.”


Yoav Galant, Israeli Defense Minister

Moshe Fatal, the Chief of the protection system underlined the continuous improvement of the system, as well as its use as a part of other air defense systems on the land.

“The organization and execution of this campaign coincided with the highly successful operational activation of the “Iron Dome” and “David’s Sling” systems as part of Operation “Shield and Arrow”. We are providing a continuous operational and technological response and building a response to future challenges.”


Moshe Fatal, the Chief of the Protection System

The C-dome is a significant pillar in the self-defense and regional defense array of the defense ships Dand is a significant leap forward both for the existing capabilities in protecting the State of Israel’s assets and economic interests and for Israel’s naval superiority in the arena.

C-DOME
INS Magen firing C-Dome system (Screenshot from IDF video)

The C-DOME constitutes an additional layer of the State of Israel’s multi-tiered missile and air defense array, based on four operational defense tiers: IRON DOMEDAVID’S SLING, Arrow 2, and Arrow 3. The Israel Ministry of Defense Israel Missile Defense Organization (IMDO) within the DDR&D led the systems’ development.

About C-Dome

Israeli Navy conducts C-Dome live firing test from Sa'ar 6 corvette
Containerized C-Dome and Iron Beam at Rafael’s booth in IMDEX Asia 2023

C-Dome enables hemispheric protection against saturation attacks from multiple directions simultaneously. The system integrates into the ship’s own radar and CMS and utilizes the combat-proven IRON DOME’s TAMIR, the interceptor that has achieved more than 2,000 successful interceptions.

The system comprises three components: TAMIR interceptors, a modular Vertical-Launch Unit (VLU), and a Command & Control (C2) component. Utilizing the vessel’s surveillance radar to detect and track threats, it eliminates the need for a dedicated radar.

Interceptors are vertically launched and with unrestricted 360 degrees coverage. The warhead ensures high kill probability against the targets. The company claims that the interceptor is extremely agile and with high rate-of-turn enabling intercepting of even the most maneuverable targets. Its proximity fuze maximizes lethality and the warhead ensures maximum destruction of the target.

C-Dome has a small footprint and can be integrated on small ships including OPVs and small corvettes.

Israeli Navy conducts C-Dome live firing test from Sa'ar 6 corvette
C-Dome system architecture (Rafael image)

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