Patriots in the Air

Patriot missiles were launched to intercept missiles simulating enemy missiles in the framework of the joint Israeli-US exercise.

The IDF conducted an exercise in the framework of the joint Israeli-US Austere Challenge 12 air defense exercise. Several missiles simulating Syrian and Iranian enemy missiles fired at Israel were launched in the framework of the exercise, and were intercepted by US and Israeli Patriot batteries from an Israeli Air Force base in the center of the country.

Israel’s Minister of Defense, Ehud Barak, participated in the live experiment and said that “what we see here today are Patriot launch exercises against flying targets in the framework of the shared exercise with the Americans. This is, first of all, an expression of the deep cooperation between us and them and the compatibility of the systems for potential tests in the future. It is also proof that the aging, veteran systems still work as needed and provide the results, alongside the operation of our most modern, innovative systems not far from here, towards the south; the Iron Dome keeps intercepting every missile directed towards a town time and again, within their protective layer.

“All in all, these are very important days, both for the progression of our cooperation in protecting against missiles with regards to future tests as well as with continuous activity against Hamas and the terror organizations in Gaza, which may expand and intensify."

The US Army, the IAF's Air Defense Layout and the Homa directorate in the Ministry of Defense's MAFAT administration are participating in the exercise.