The Israeli Navy has completed a landmark test of its long-range interceptor (LRAD) missile aboard a Sa’ar 6-Class Corvette, detecting and destroying a target that “resembled an advanced cruise missile.”
According to the Israel Defence Forces (IDF), the LRAD missile thwarted aerial threats, including planes, drones, cruise missiles, unguided rockets, and coast-to-sea missiles.
“The system constitutes a significant layer in the air defense capabilities of the Navy, in achieving naval superiority and its involvement in the IDF’s aim of overcoming a variety of threats and scenarios from the sea and the coast,” the military said.
Long-Range Robust Interceptor
The LRAD missile is one of three interceptors of the BARAK MX integrated air and missile defense system, which protects against “multiple simultaneous aerial threats from different sources and ranges.”
The interceptor features vertical launch capabilities, supporting 360-degree coverage.
It also has two pulse rocket motors, allowing the missile’s extended range of up to 70 kilometers (43 miles) in all weather and battle conditions.
Israel-Lebanon Tensions
The missile test follows months of tensions between Israel and the Lebanese Hezbollah militant group over the former’s offshore gas installations.
Hezbollah has repeatedly warned Israel against extracting gas from the disputed Karish if it delays US-brokered maritime border demarcation talks.
Last month, however, the two nations accepted the US proposal to settle the territorial dispute concerning the 860-square-kilometer (330 square miles) Mediterranean Karish gas field.