Israel successfully tests its naval air defense system

On Monday, Israel said that it had successfully tested its new naval air defense system. It intercepted a number of threats and provided protection against Iran and its proxy in the region.

Israel successfully tests its naval air defense system

The "C-Dome", a naval version the Iron Dome has been using to take down rockets from Gaza Strip over the past decade. The C-Dome will be installed on Israel's newest corvette warships. These ships protect Israel's coastline as well as offshore natural gas resources in the Mediterranean.

According to the Defense Ministry, the tests were able to simulate a variety of threats including cruise missiles and rockets.

Defense Minister Benny Gantz stated that the systems being developed as part of Israel’s multi-tier missile defence array allow us to operate against Iranian proxy forces in the region and defend themselves against their weapon system, which is constantly being upgraded." We are two steps ahead of them, and we will keep developing and upgrading our capabilities to ensure security supremacy in the region.

Although the ministry stated that tests were performed recently, they declined to provide a timeline.

The C-Dome will be part of Israel's multilayer anti-missile defense system, which includes weapons that can intercept everything from long-range missiles and short-range rockets.

This test is being done at a time when tensions are high. Iran-backed Hezbollah militants launched two drones into Israeli airspace last Wednesday. Iran is close to signing an international nuclear agreement with global powers, which will allow it to get relief from crippling sanctions. Israel is opposed to the deal and fears that Iran may divert funds from newly released funds to Hezbollah proxies.

Hezbollah has been open about its intention to strike Israel's gas platforms, if there were to be fighting. Hezbollah and Israel fought a long-running war for a month in 2006. Hezbollah launched a missile at an Israeli warship and killed four soldiers.