Anti-Aircraft Battalion To Be Deployed Near Gaza

The Israel Air Force (IAF) is now establishing a new anti-aircraft battalion whose task will be to test the Iron Dome anti-ballistic missile system for intercepting Qassam and Grad rockets fired from Gaza Strip at Sderot and other communities in the western Negev.

The IAF said the battalion will install the system and begin training with it in about four months in tandem with the development of a new fighting doctrine intended to respond to the tactics employed by Palestinian terrorists when they launch their rockets.

A high-ranking Israeli security source said the system would be able to handle the short-range rocket threat of the Qassam and Grad rockets and could also deal with shells with a larger caliber. Advanced radar would locate the rocket and launch an interceptor missile at the incoming target once it is deployed.

The battalion will also received the Magic Wand antiballistic missile system, which will perform a similar role against rockets with ranges between 25 and 150 miles, currently under development.

Israeli Security officials believe that these two systems will significantly change how Israel deals with the terror organizations and prompt them to counter other threats against Israeli soldiers and residents in southern Israel.

“We’re very pleased by the pace and manner of development,” said one high-ranking security official. “The air force is a full partner in the progress of Rafael’s development and in the various simulations done at the factory.”

Another high-ranking Israeli security official said, “We are limited in what we can say about the system, but you could say that the many rocket barrages fired at Israel… helped Rafael to test and accelerate processes that usually are tested by simulations in the lab. We realized that the system being planned meets the expectations and standards set by the Defense Ministry and the fact is that foreign elements have already expressed an interest in the system, which constitutes a breakthrough in this sphere.”

Brig. Gen. Danny Gold, who heads research and development for the IAF, hinted a few weeks ago the Iron Dome system was being developed at a fifth of the time and a tenth of the price of similar systems.

It is believed that the system will be put into place after a major test is carried out in the next few months, after which the system will gradually become operational.

Most recently, a number of sites were chosen near Gaza where the system will be stationed as part of the initial deployment in respond to the rocket threat. In the second stage the system will be stationed in northern Israel to intercept mortar shells and Katyusha rockets from Lebanon.

David Bedein can be reached at dbedein@israelbehindthenews.com