Israel ‘successfully’ tests upgraded missile system

JERUSALEM / DUBAI

Israeli PM Netanyahu (C) and Defense Minister Barak are seen at the Iron Dome in Ashkelon in this file photo. EPA photo

The Israeli air force has successfully tested an upgraded version of its “Iron Dome” missile defense system; the same day Iranian experts have succeeded to build a vertical take-off and landing drone which will be unveiled in the coming months.

“This test constitutes a new success in the project to strengthen the Iron Dome’s performance,” Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak said on Nov. 4, according to Agence France-Presse. “Israel has invested an enormous budget to finance the different missile defense systems that should allow us to protect our territory within a few years,” he added.

The Iron Dome system is developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, a public arms company based in the northern town of Haifa, and part-funded by the United States.

Israeli television said the latest version of the Iron Dome is designed to intercept medium-range missiles, such as those possessed by Syria and the Lebanese Hezbollah group.

Each battery has radar detection and tracking system, a firing control system and three launchers for 20 interception missiles. They have a range of four to 70 kilometers. Military experts say 13 batteries are needed to be defend the whole of Israel’s territory, an arsenal that will take several years to build up.

Iran built vertical drone

Iran has built an advanced drone that can take off vertically and without a runway, Reuters reported. Abbas Jam, researcher on a project for a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) drone, said that the drone would be “unveiled” next year, according to Iran’s Mehr news agency. The unmanned aircraft “enjoys ultra-advanced technology and has been built for the first time in the world,” Jam said.