what missiles does iron dome use

June 28, 2026

Iron Dome uses a specific interceptor missile called the Tamir missile.

The Main Missile Iron Dome Uses

The interceptor fired by Iron Dome is known as the Tamir missile, developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems in Israel.

Each Iron Dome launcher (missile firing unit) typically carries up to 20 Tamir missiles ready to launch.

A standard Iron Dome battery usually has 3–4 launchers , so a single battery can have around 60–80 Tamir interceptors on hand.

What Is Special About the Tamir Missile?

Tamir is a short‑range interceptor designed to destroy rockets, artillery shells, and mortars fired from roughly 4–70 km away.

It includes electro‑optic sensors and several steering fins, giving it high maneuverability to adjust course in flight.

The missile uses a proximity‑fused blast warhead , meaning it explodes near the incoming rocket to destroy it in the air rather than hitting it head‑on.

Does Iron Dome Use Any Other Missiles?

The launcher is designed as a multi‑mission unit that can, in principle, fire “diverse interceptor missiles,” but in operational practice the family of systems is centered on the Tamir interceptor.

All current members of the “Iron Dome family” advertised by Rafael are described as using the TAMIR interceptor as their missile component.

Quick HTML Table (for your “Quick Scoop” section)

html

<table>
  <thead>
    <tr>
      <th>Feature</th>
      <th>Tamir Missile (Iron Dome)</th>
    </tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>
    <tr>
      <td>Missile type</td>
      <td>Short-range air defense interceptor (Tamir)</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Primary role</td>
      <td>Intercept rockets, artillery shells, and mortars targeting populated areas</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Typical range</td>
      <td>About 4–70 km from the launcher</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Guidance / sensors</td>
      <td>Electro‑optic sensors with high‑maneuverability steering fins</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Warhead</td>
      <td>Proximity‑fuse blast warhead that detonates near the target</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Missiles per launcher</td>
      <td>Up to 20 Tamir missiles per launcher</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Launchers per battery</td>
      <td>Typically 3–4 launchers per Iron Dome battery</td>
    </tr>
  </tbody>
</table>

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.