Israel, eyeing Iran, steps up missile tests

JERUSALEM — Israel’s Defense Ministry said Tuesday it conducted successful live-fire drills with its multi-range missile defense system, providing protection against threats posed by Iran and its proxies along Israel’s northern and southern borders.

Defense officials said it was the first time they have conducted an integrated test bringing together the components of the country’s “multilayer” missile defense.

They are the “Arrow,” which intercepts long-range missiles; “David’s Sling,” meant to shoot down medium-range missiles; and the “Iron Dome,” which has been used for years to defend against incoming rocket fire from the Gaza Strip.

Israel faces rocket and missile threats from Palestinian militants in Gaza, from the Iranian-backed Shiite militant group Hezbollah in neighboring Lebanon and from Iran.

Brig. Gen. Ran Kochav, head of the Israeli Air Force’s air defense program, said the drill had simulated a series of threats and involved complex human and computerized decision making.

He said it was a major accomplishment to intercept a cruise missile, which he said are tricky targets because of their speed, altitude and maneuverability.

“What was special with this test is that it was a live drill dealing with a concrete scenario. You can understand the geopolitical situation in the Middle East has changed,” he said. “It advances us operationally and technologically and allows us to absorb these advanced systems into the air force, carry out evaluation and training and knowledge so that we can get better.”

The test was conducted over the Mediterranean Sea and tested the systems’ capability to intercept a range of aerial targets from drones to larger and longer range ballistic missiles.