DEFENCE
DEFENCE
ARMAMENTS
Israel said Wednesday it has begun testing a massive inflatable missile detection system designed to hover at high altitudes and detect long-range threats, thus deploying a new missile sensor capability.
Developed jointly by Israel’s Missile Defense Organization (IMDO) and the American Missile Defense Agency (MDA), the aerostat is known formally as the High Availability Aerostat System (HAAS) and is, essentially, a blimp tethered to the ground with a long-range radar developed almost entirely from annual Foreign Military Financing funds provided to Israel from the US.
That radar has already concluded testing, and this week’s inflation of the aerostat means the program is on track to declare initial operational capability before the end of the year. The goal is to deploy the first of the HAAS systems in northern Israel in early 2022, so as to cope with the growing threat of Iranian-made cruise missiles and armed drones, and multiple HAAS systems around the country, even though the exact number is classified.
It’s not the first time Israel has experimented with aerostats, but it currently employs only one old system with a basic radar. In comparison, the new system’s radar is designed to detect threats from far distances and supply accurate information on incoming threats, sending that data along to Israel’s defensive options, such as the Iron Dome or David’s Sling systems.
Currently, Israel relies on a combination of radar systems, including the Green Pine radar of the Arrow air defence systems, an X-band radar deployed by the American army in Israel, and from the Israeli Air Force’s AEW aircraft.
Also read: I-Dome | The innovative, mobile version of Iron Dome
The prime contractor on the program is ELTA, a subsidiary of Israel Aerospace Industries. The company says the HAAS is one of the world’s largest aerostats; it is developed and manufactured by TCOM, an American company specializing in aerostats.
With information from: defensenews.com, breakingdefense.com
Also read: Israel – Gaza | Spike NLOS against Hamas facilities and missile launchers – VIDEO
ARMAMENTS
NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIPTION
Remote Modular Terminal | The US Space Force’s new weapon system
The US Space Force has unveiled its new Remote Modular Terminal (RMT) weapon system. The system has completed its…
ASCANIO | Made-in-Cyprus Mixed Reality training
https://defenceredefined.com.cy/ascanio-made-in-cyprus-mixed-reality-training/Technology is advancing at an accelerated pace and so do the training requirements of those holding high-risk positions.
IWI | Introduces Micro Folding Battle Sights to enhance Co-Witness capabilities
IWI (Israel Weapon Industries), a member of the SK Group, has unveiled its new Micro Folding Battle Sights (MFBS).
Hellenic Entrepreneurs Association | Ideas & Positions for the Promotion of Greek Entrepreneurship
The members of the Hellenic Entrepreneurs Association (E.E.N.E.) participated in a roundtable discussion entitled “Ideas, Positions…
Ukraine | Increase in defence spending by 367 million euros for the acquisition of drones
Kiev is increasing spending by 15.5 billion hryvnias (367 million euros) to bolster Ukraine’s armed forces with drones, according to…
HMoND | The legislative initiative for HCDI is under consultation
The legislative initiative of the Ministry of National Defence, under the title: “Establishment of the Hellenic Center for Defence…
Russia | Cluster bombs hit residential area in Odessa
Images from Russia’s strike in the heart of Odessa, which hit the so-called “Harry Potter Castle”, a former politician’s mansion now…
France | Industries prioritize orders of anti-aircraft missiles
The Armed Forces Ministry of France has instructed industries involved in the production of Aster anti-aircraft and anti-ballistic…
Ecuador | Appeals to International Court of Justice denouncing Mexico
Ecuadorian police stormed the Mexican embassy hours after the Mexican government granted former Vice President…