Gabriel V and C-Dome answer different naval threats. Gabriel V is an anti-ship missile intended to engage enemy vessels. C-Dome is a ship-based air-defense system intended to intercept aerial threats approaching a vessel. One strikes at sea; the other protects a ship from incoming weapons.
Gabriel V targets surface ships
IAI’s Gabriel family consists of sea-skimming anti-ship missiles. Gabriel V is the latest named variant and is designed for launch from naval platforms against surface targets. As with any missile, range, seeker and platform integration depend on the version and customer configuration. “Fifth generation” is not a useful technical classification unless tied to a clearly defined standard.
C-Dome protects a vessel
C-Dome adapts Rafael’s Iron Dome interception capability for naval deployment. Rafael reports that the system achieved its first operational interception from a Sa’ar 6 corvette in 2024. This confirms a naval engagement milestone; it should not be confused with Gabriel integration or imply that every Israeli ship carries C-Dome. It adds a shipboard layer against aerial threats such as rockets or unmanned aircraft, subject to the system’s engagement envelope and available interceptors.
The two systems can contribute to naval defense in complementary ways: Gabriel threatens an opposing vessel, while C-Dome is defensive. Their roles, launchers and targeting systems are distinct.
IAI’s company history records Gabriel’s development as a sea-to-sea missile. Rafael’s company milestones records C-Dome’s 2024 interception. The Ministry’s SIBAT profile explains how Israel’s defense industry works with foreign partners. Learn about the land-based defense layers.