3 weeks ago
Israel and the US successfully completed the integration of their anti-missile defence systems and live-fire training for the US Marine Corps amidst rising tensions between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, along with the looming threat of a long-range missile strike from Iran, Israeli officials report.
The joint exercise featured live-fire training conducted by US Marines with an air defence system integrating Israel’s all-weather anti-missile interceptor, the Iron Dome.
According to Israel's Ministry of Defence, this defence system combines an American radar and command-and-control centre with the Iron Dome (Tamir) interceptor and a mobile launcher, developed by Rafael Advanced Defence Systems.
“During the training, the Marines fully operated the system, leading to the successful interception of targets. Additionally, the continuous launch capability of the Iron Dome interceptors from a mobile launcher, developed specifically for the Marines, was tested,” the Israeli Defence Ministry said in a statement.
Officials noted that the successful training highlighted the forces' proficiency in operating the system, the performance of the mobile launcher developed for the Marines, and the Iron Dome interceptor’s capabilities in complex and demanding interception scenarios.
Developed by Rafael in partnership with Raytheon, the Tamir interceptor can neutralise cruise missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and various types of rockets, artillery shells, and mortars.
This successful live-fire exercise represents a significant milestone on the path toward the operational deployment of the first prototype battery for the Marines.
“Iron Dome is a system with extensive operational experience, boasting thousands of successful interceptions for over a decade. â€æThe US Marines’ live-fire exercise further proves the Iron Dome interceptor’s ability and ground infrastructure to quickly and efficiently integrate with any relevant air defence system and intercept various aerial threats in complex scenarios,” Moshe Patel, Director of the Israel Missile Defence Organisation (IMDO) said.
Previously, the United States deployed its Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) system to Israel, a powerful air defence battery designed to neutralise aerial threats and projectiles, specifically addressing potential threats from Iran, which had launched 200 ballistic missiles toward Israel a month ago.
THAAD, capable of intercepting targets at ranges of 150 to 200 kilometres, was sent to Israel along with approximately 100 US soldiers to operate the system.
Published On:
Oct 30, 2024
