Israel Airlines: Pioneering Missile Defense Systems

In 2004, Israel Airlines set a precedent as the first commercial airline to install a missile defense system in response to a near-fatal attack in 2002, when a missile was fired at one of its planes as it flew over Kenya. This incident highlighted the urgent need for an effective protection system. The initial system deployed, known as Flight Guard, was adapted from military technology used by the Israeli Air Force, employing Doppler radar for threat detection. When a missile is identified, the system activates flares to divert the attack, similar to maneuvers used by military jets. By 2014, Israel Airlines advanced its defense technology further with the introduction of the C-MUSIC system, which utilizes lasers instead of flares, representing a modern approach to aerial threat defense. These innovations not only enhance the safety of civilian aircraft but also signify a significant step in integrating military technology into commercial aviation, reflecting a proactive response to potential aerial assaults that have necessitated such robust defense measures.