The Iron Dome short-range anti-missile defense system has been upgraded: In recent days, the Defense Ministry successfully tested the system's improved operational capabilities. The tests, conducted jointly by the Defense Ministry's Administration for the Development of Weapons and Technological Infrastructure (Maf'at) and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. According to the Defense Ministry, the battery of tests were scheduled in advance as part of a plan to upgrade the system to meet the challenges posed by "an unprecedented array of threats." However, the Defense Ministry and the Israel Defense Forces pointed out that the system, which was widely successful in protecting the homefront from rocket and missile fire during Israel's November military offensive in the Gaza Strip, will never be able to provide hermetic protection against any threat. Israel currently possesses five operational Iron Dome batteries deployed in different areas of the country, but this number would be insufficient if Israel were to enter a conflict along its northern border. Over the eight days of Operation Pillar of Defense, the Iron Dome system intercepted more than 420 rockets fired from the Gaza Strip. According to the Defense Ministry, 85 percent of the rockets aimed at populated areas were intercepted. Several countries have expressed interest in purchasing the Israeli-created and American-funded system, including Singapore and South Korea.
