Israel says Iron Dome air defense system upgraded to better tackle threats

Israel’s Iron Dome short-range air defense system has been upgraded following an “extensive series of tests,” the Defense Ministry announces.

The tests — carried out by the ministry’s Directorate of Defense Research & Development (DDR&D) and the Rafael defense firm — were conducted against a “range of advanced threats, while incorporating operational lessons learned during the war and operations against Iran,” the ministry says.

During the tests, “several upgrades introduced to the system were tested to further improve its ability to deal with scenarios simulating existing and future threats, including rockets, cruise missiles, and UAVs,” the statement says.

Additionally, the high-powered laser interception system Iron Beam — developed as a complementary system to Iron Dome — was tested alongside the Iron Dome in “joint operation scenarios,” from the Iron Dome’s command center.

“The new capabilities demonstrated in the tests constitute a significant step in improving the ability to contend with a wide range of attack scenarios and are another component of the Defense Ministry’s strategy to enhance readiness for an intensive security decade while preserving the IDF’s qualitative and strategic advantage in defense and offense in future conflicts,” the statement adds.

This video published by the Defense Ministry on June 30, 2026, shows recent tests conducted with the Iron Dome and Iron Beam air defense systems. (Defense Ministry)