WarSclerotic

Hetz-3 missile sees successful live test – Israel News, Ynetnews.

Defense Ministry says newest addition to surface-to-air missile defense system has successful first test fire; system to enable Israel to better counter future threats alongside Iron Dome, David’s Sling

Yoav Zitun

The Defense Ministry announced Monday that it has successfully tested the Hetz-3 missile interceptor.

The test was conducted by the ministry’s Administration for the Development of Weapons and the Technological Industry from a location in central Israel.

The Hetz (“Arrow”) is part of Israel’s surface-to-air missile defense lineup. Its development is a joint effort by the Defense Ministry and the American Missile Defense Agency.

The test began at 8 am, when the missile was launched from the Palmachim Air Base. It held altitude for six minutes and preformed various maneuvers, as programmed.

Past Hetz-3 test

The live test reviewed the system’s capabilities and performance. The projectile’s interceptor system is considered to be one of the most advanced in the world.

A senior defense source said that the test was conducted as part of the IDF’s perennial operational plan, stressing that “This was a systems test, not a ballistic intercepting test and the objectives set for this test were reached in full.”

The new surface-to-air missile defense system will enable Israel to better counter future threats, the Defense Ministry said in a statement.

Hetz-3 joins Israel’s layered aerial defenses, alongside the Hetz-2, Iron Dome and David’s Sling, better known as “Magic Wand,” defense systems.

Together, the systems aim to provide Israel with a protective umbrella that will counter the threats posed by short and mid-ranged missiles used by Gaza-based terror groups in the south and Hezbollah in the north; as well as the possible threat of Iranian missiles.

“This successful test is a milestone in Israel’s operational and defensive capabilities vis-à-vis threats in the regional arena,” the Defense Ministry said.

“This was the first test of a system that has been years in development. The system still has to undergo further tests before it becomes fully operational.”

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