Iron dome deployed to central Israel for testing

Missile-defense system to be deployed to the greater Tel Aviv area for several days of testing, IDF says.

By YAAKOV LAPPIN
Iron Dome battery. (photo credit: IDF SPOKESMAN'S OFFICE)
Iron Dome battery.
(photo credit: IDF SPOKESMAN'S OFFICE)
An Iron Dome rocket defense system has been deployed to central Israel, the IDF announced on Monday.
The system is set to remain in the greater Tel Aviv areas for several days. The move is part of a preplanned process aimed at enabling the system to become operational in all areas of the country, the IDF Spokesman’s Office added.
Earlier this month, the Defense Ministry showcased an Iron Dome battery at an Indian aerospace and air defense exhibition.
India has expressed interest in purchasing the system to protect it from short-range enemy rockets.
It was the first time an Iron Dome battery went on display outside of Israel.
The Defense Ministry held a series of tests last month of an upgraded version of the Iron Dome rocket defense system, together with manufacturer Rafael Advanced Defense systems.
The upgrades are designed to give the Iron Dome “improved capabilities against an unprecedented range of threats,” the Defense Ministry said on Monday.
“The test, which was completed successfully, will lead to an upgrade in Iron Dome’s operational capabilities.”
Five Iron Dome batteries were deployed during November’s aerial conflict with Hamas in Gaza. They intercepted more than 90 percent of Palestinian rockets fired at built-up areas in Israel from Gaza.