Israel

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WATCH: Israel’s Naval Iron Dome System Successfully Intercepts Rocket Salvo

The Israeli military has successfully tested its new “Iron Dome of the sea” anti-rocket defense system, The Times of Israel reported Wednesday.

The Tamir-Adir system, which is mounted on ships, is designed to shoot down short-range rockets like the kind Hamas fires from the Gaza Strip. In tests two weeks ago, the system intercepted every single short-range rocket fired in a salvo from shore, according to Col. Ariel Shir, head of operational systems in the Israeli navy.

Shir added that the tests “proved the Israeli navy’s ability to protect Israel’s strategic assets at sea against short-range strategic rockets.”

Tamir-Adir employs Iron Dome technology that has been adjusted to work in a moving vessel. The ship-based system is designed to protect Israel’s natural gas rigs from attack. One such platform is located 16 miles from Gaza and has been targeted unsuccessfully by Hamas in the past. The natural gas fields are a strategic asset because they are essential to Israel’s economy, providing a large share of the country’s energy needs. If other natural gas fields are developed, Israel could become a major exporter.

Tamir-Adir is the latest addition to Israel’s multi-platform missile defense system. David’s Sling, designed to intercept long-range ballistic missiles, is being co-developed with the United States and is on track to become operational this year.

[Photo: The Times of Israel / YouTube ]