The Israeli-developed Iron Dome anti-missile system has proven effective against drones, broadening its protective abilities.
In the latest breakthrough for the Israeli defense industry, an interceptor launched from the Iron Dome missile defense system intercepted a drone in a test carried out by the American military in the United States.
According to a statement from Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, the Israeli developer of the Iron Dome, the intercepting missile was fired from a multipurpose launcher belonging to the US Army, and it hit the drone target successfully.
The test marks the first time the Iron Dome has intercepted a drone on US soil. The Iron Dome boasts a 90-percent success rate and has intercepted more than 1,300 rockets since April 2011.
Israel developed its anti-missile systems to defend against Gaza’s rockets in part, but overwhelmingly against Hezbollah’s rocket arsenal in southern Lebanon, supplied by Iran.
The Israeli-developed defensive system has reduced the effectiveness of rockets fired by terrorists out of Gaza into Israel and has saved many Israeli lives during Operation Protective Edge.
Israel Defense Forces Col. (res.) Pini Youngman, head of Missile Defense Systems at Rafael, said that another series of tests will be carried out as adjustments are made to alter the system per the requirements of the US missile program.
By: JNS.org and United with Isreal Staff