---
title: "Israeli Naval Defense: Gabriel and C-Dome"
description: "Gabriel V is an IAI anti-ship missile for engaging surface vessels. C-Dome is the naval version of Rafael’s Iron Dome air-defense system; Rafael recorded its first interception from a Sa’ar 6 corvette in 2024."
url: "https://hasbara.co.il/resources/israeli-defense-industry-rafael-elbit-systems-iai/naval-defense-capabilities-gabriel-missiles-and-c-dome-systems"
type: "resource-page"
locale: "en"
categories: ["Israeli Defense Industry: Rafael, Elbit Systems, IAI"]
---

# Israeli Naval Defense: Gabriel and C-Dome

*Gabriel V is an IAI anti-ship missile for engaging surface vessels. C-Dome is the naval version of Rafael’s Iron Dome air-defense system; Rafael recorded its first interception from a Sa’ar 6 corvette in 2024.*

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](https://www.iai.co.il/about/history/) records Gabriel’s development as a sea-to-sea missile. Rafael’s [company milestones](https://www.rafael.co.il/our-story/) records C-Dome’s 2024 interception. The Ministry’s [SIBAT profile](https://mod.gov.il/en/departments/sibat-international-defense-cooperation) explains how Israel’s defense industry works with foreign partners. Learn about [the land-based defense layers](https://hasbara.co.il/resources/israeli-defense-industry-rafael-elbit-systems-iai/israel-multi-tiered-missile-defense-engineering-and-history).

## Pages

- [Israel's Defense Industry and Export Controls](/resources/israeli-defense-industry-rafael-elbit-systems-iai/overview.md)
- [Israel's Missile Defense: Iron Dome, David's Sling and Arrow](/resources/israeli-defense-industry-rafael-elbit-systems-iai/israel-multi-tiered-missile-defense-engineering-and-history.md)
- [Iron Beam: Israel’s Laser Air Defense](/resources/israeli-defense-industry-rafael-elbit-systems-iai/next-generation-laser-defense-rafael-s-iron-beam.md)
- [Rafael Trophy: Active Protection for Tanks](/resources/israeli-defense-industry-rafael-elbit-systems-iai/trophy-active-protection-system-and-armored-vehicle-survivability.md)
- [Israeli Military UAVs: Elbit Hermes and IAI Heron](/resources/israeli-defense-industry-rafael-elbit-systems-iai/comparing-israeli-tactical-uavs-elbit-hermes-and-iai-heron.md)
- [Israeli Precision Missiles and Loitering Munitions](/resources/israeli-defense-industry-rafael-elbit-systems-iai/israeli-loitering-munitions-and-precision-guided-missiles.md)
- [Elbit IronVision and F-35 Helmet Displays](/resources/israeli-defense-industry-rafael-elbit-systems-iai/elbit-systems-iron-vision-and-avionics-innovation.md)
- [Israel's Ofeq Satellites and Shavit Launcher](/resources/israeli-defense-industry-rafael-elbit-systems-iai/military-and-intelligence-space-programs-ofeq-and-shavit.md)

## Sources

- [iai.co.il](https://www.iai.co.il/about/history/)
- [rafael.co.il](https://www.rafael.co.il/our-story/)
- [mod.gov.il](https://mod.gov.il/en/departments/sibat-international-defense-cooperation)