In test, missile manages to intercept object resembling an airplane. New planned radar will allow system to increase its discovery, interception range

The defense establishment on Tuesday conducted a test with a new component of the Patriot system - the 'Yahalom' missile. The test, aimed at examining the various improvements that have been made in the system's operational capabilities, was crowned a success after an extensive review of the experiment results on Wednesday.

The test took place at a location in southern Israel, whereby a missile was launched at a target resembling an enemy plane. The improved missile was able to successfully intercept the target. But defense engineers haven't finished tinkering with the system quite yet - Rafael Advanced Defense Systems plans to equip the Patriot system with a new radar designed to improve its range.

Brig. Gen. Danny Milo, commander of the IDF's anti-aircraft forces, said that the test's success would create a new operational reality by improving Israeli capabilities vis-à-vis relevant threats.

Last October the defense establishment tested the "PAC-3" Patriot missile, which, according to various sources, Israel will obtain from the US.
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