Israel’s Air Force conducted a series of live-fire tests of the Iron Dome and Patriot anti-missile aerial defense systems this past Tuesday, according to the statement by the IDF.
“Air defense soldiers from the Israeli Air Force conducted successful interceptions of targets at various heights and ranges,” the IDF Spokesperson said.
The exercise, carried out in central Israel, was intended to test the preparedness of the military’s air defense and technical units as well as the anti-missile defense batteries themselves.
The Iron Dome system is intended to intercept and neutralize short-range projectiles and mortar shells, as well as limited aircraft.
The Patriot air defense system is designed to intercept longer-range incoming aircraft as well as long-range ballistic missiles as well.
Two foreign military delegations were present for the tests, but the IDF declined to identify the observers. “The delegations came to watch the exercise and to study its results,” the IDF said. “The delegations will take part in a panel discussion that will focus on professional matters and inter-military cooperation.”
According to the IDF, the exercise was part of the military’s routine annual training schedule.