Israel Tests Patriot Missiles As Part Of Routine Exercise

The Israeli Air Force on Monday test fired a US-built Patriot surface-to-air missile from the Palmachim air base in central Israel as part of a “routine exercise”.

The defense system was activated after the joint Israel-US Juniper Cobra exercise ended. The biennial exercise, which kicked off last month, simulated missile and rocket attacks in order to test the preparedness of the IDF and US military against such assaults and also to improve ties between the two armies.

However, the American military was not involved in the launch of the Patriot missile on Monday, military official was quoted as saying by The Times of Israel.

The IAF’s Air Defense Branch possesses a number of American-made Patriot surface-to-air missiles, and in recent years, it has said it carried out modifications “to enhance their effectiveness”.

The Patriot operates in conjunction with the Iron Dome, David’s Sling and Arrow-2 and Arrow-3 systems.