BICOM

The Israeli and American militaries have announced that they had successfully simulated a joint integrated defence against massive missile attack, further advancing the missile defence programme being jointly developed by the two countries.

The missile systems which were deployed during the exercise were Israel’s David’s Sling (also known as the Magic Wand), Arrow 2 and Arrow 3 systems as well as the American systems Aegis Ships, Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) and Patriot missile defence systems.

A statement released yesterday from Israel’s Defence Ministry read:“During the test, scenarios consisting of multiple missile and rocket attacks were simulated against Israel with both United States and Israel successfully employing, engaging and destroying the simulated incoming threats.”

The five-day trial took place last month and tested the ability to integrate the command and control systems for the Israeli defence missiles with the US anti-missile defence systems. The exercise simulated a scenario in which thousands of rockets and missiles from Iran and Lebanon are fired at Israel at the same time, in order to test how efficiently the Israeli and American systems work together.

The exercise was another milestone in the development of Israel’s missile defence system, in conjunction with the United States. In December, David’s Wand, which combats medium-range missile threats, carried out a successful final test. Alongside the Iron Dome, Arrow 2 and Arrow 3 systems, David’s Sling is part of Israel’s layered aerial defence system. The Arrow models protect against long-range threats, while the Iron Dome has already been deployed with huge success, neutralising thousands of rockets fired from the Gaza Strip during Operation Protective Edge in summer 2014.

American funding for Israel’s missile defence programme is a factor in the complex ongoing negotiations to finalise a new United States’ military aid package for Israel. Until now, a separate budget has existed for the programme, but missile defence funding may now be folded in to the general package as part of the new deal.