Iron Dome vs S-400
Iron Dome
Israeli short-range air defense system by Rafael
Defense against short-range rockets, mortars, and drones
S-400 Triumf
Russian long-range air defense system by Almaz-Antey
Long-range air and missile defense of strategic assets
Short Answer
Iron Dome is Israel's short-range rocket defense system with a 90%+ interception rate against rockets and mortars. The S-400 Triumf is Russia's long-range air defense system designed to shoot down aircraft, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles at 400km range. They serve completely different roles.
Our Verdict
These aren't competitors — they're different classes. Iron Dome defends against short-range rockets (Hamas, Hezbollah). S-400 defends against aircraft and missiles at long range. Israel uses Iron Dome + David's Sling + Arrow for layered defense.
Choose Iron Dome if
Defense against short-range rockets, mortars, and drones
Choose S-400 Triumf if
Long-range air and missile defense of strategic assets
Key Differences at a Glance
Key Differences
Iron Dome
4-70 km
S-400 Triumf
40-400 km🏆
Iron Dome
Rockets, mortars, drones
S-400 Triumf
Aircraft, cruise/ballistic missiles🏆
Iron Dome
90%+ (proven)🏆
S-400 Triumf
Claimed 90%+ (unproven vs peers)
Iron Dome
$50M🏆
S-400 Triumf
$500M+
Iron Dome
Yes (10,000+ intercepts)🏆
S-400 Triumf
Limited
Iron Dome
Multiple
S-400 Triumf
300 simultaneously🏆
Pros & Cons
Iron Dome
Pros
- 90%+ interception rate
- Battle-proven (thousands of intercepts)
- AI-based threat assessment
- Cost-effective per intercept ($40-100K)
- Fast reaction time
- Mobile and rapidly deployable
Cons
- Short range only (4-70 km)
- Cannot intercept ballistic missiles
- $50K+ per interceptor vs $500 rockets
- Can be overwhelmed by mass salvos
S-400 Triumf
Pros
- 400 km maximum range
- Can engage aircraft, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles
- Multiple missile types (48N6, 40N6)
- Track 300 targets simultaneously
- Operates in heavy electronic warfare
Cons
- No proven combat record against peer adversary
- Very expensive ($500M+ per battalion)
- Large footprint (harder to hide)
- Unproven against stealth aircraft
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Frequently Asked Questions
They serve different purposes. Iron Dome is for short-range rocket defense. S-400 is for long-range air defense. A complete defense needs both types — Israel uses Iron Dome + David's Sling + Arrow for layered defense.
Resources & Learn More
Dive deeper with these curated resources
Wikipedia
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