Israeli Navy ship (archives)
Photo: Hagai Aharon
Navy holds successful test of missile defense system
Updated Barak system capable of identifying and intercepting enemy missiles of improved quality
The Navy has conducted a successful test of the Barak missile defense system on the high seas, prompting the distribution of an updated version of the system among all Navy ships, the IDF announced Sunday.
The decision to update the system followed assessments that regional powers may soon strike from the sea with improved missiles. A senior Navy official explained that the system now has improved capabilities, and can handle very serious and fast-moving threats.
During the experiment, conducted entirely at sea, a simulated enemy missile was fired at a ship and had to be intercepted by the Barak system. According to the official, the Barak missile hit its target precisely and destroyed it.
The Barak system is said to be capable of discovering and identifying enemy missiles, and firing upon them automatically.
Last week, the defense establishment held a test of the Arrow 2 missile defense system off of US shores. The system encountered difficulties, however, and the intercepting missile was not fired.
