Patriots in the Air
Patriot missiles were launched to intercept missiles simulating enemy
missiles in the framework of the joint Israeli-US exercise
IsraelDefense 12/11/2012

(Photo: IMoD) The IDF conducted an exercise in the framework of the joint
Israeli-US Austere Challenge 12 air defense exercise. Several missiles
simulating Syrian and Iranian enemy missiles fired at Israel were launched
in the framework of the exercise, and were intercepted by US and Israeli
Patriot batteries from an Israeli Air Force base in the center of the
country.

Israel’s Minister of Defense, Ehud Barak, participated in the live
experiment and said that “what we see here today are Patriot launch
exercises against flying targets in the framework of the shared exercise
with the Americans. This is, first of all, an expression of the deep
cooperation between us and them and the compatibility of the systems for
potential tests in the future. It is also proof that the aging, veteran
systems still work as needed and provide the results, alongside the
operation of our most modern, innovative systems not far from here, towards
the south; the Iron Dome keeps intercepting every missile directed towards a
town time and again, within their protective layer.

“All in all, these are very important days, both for the progression of our
cooperation in protecting against missiles with regards to future tests as
well as with continuous activity against Hamas and the terror organizations
in Gaza, which may expand and intensify."

The US Army, the IAF's Air Defense Layout and the Homa directorate in the
Ministry of Defense's MAFAT administration are participating in the
exercise.