Israel’s premiere defense system manufacturer, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), has completed a series of tests with the Barak air defense system; The test(s) included the interception of ballistic missiles.

In a preparatory drill, IAI recently completed a defense-readiness test focused on intercepting a variety of hostile projectiles. IAI’s BARAK ER (extended range) missile defense system proved itself in several scenarios throughout the tests, most notably against an incoming ballistic target.

IAI describes the BARAK system in the following manner:

“Based on the Air & Missile Defense Division acclaimed and field-proven BARAK family, the BARAK ER interceptor is part of the BARAK MX System that is an advanced Air & Missile Defense System that provides a single integrated solution for multiple simultaneous aerial threats from different sources and different ranges.

The BARAK ER Interceptors have vertical launch capabilities supporting 360° coverage, quick reactions, short minimal ranges and an active high-end RF seeker for targets with low radar cross-sections and high maneuverability.”

Following the test, IAI President & CEO Boaz Levy stated that “the evolution of airborne threats across the globe, combined with geopolitical changes, requires an advanced, agile and versatile air defense system. The Barak system was operationally proven against countless threats, including some of the most challenging ones today. The trial series we completed today enhances the proven capabilities against a wider range of threats.”

According to IAI, this elite, vertically-launched defense system is equipped with radar homing abilities, a booster, and other features. The BARAK has a arrange of 150 kilometers (93 miles). Each system is equipped with eight missiles.

Levy added, “The successful trial further demonstrates the robustness of the Barak system based on IAI’s innovation, technological capabilities and decades of experience in developing air defense systems. The combination of several interceptors in a unified launcher and the inherent modularity of the Barak system provides an optimal response for the future battlefield, offering the forces unprecedented operational agility and flexibility.”

This new system from IAI is capable of intercepting incoming enemy projectiles and fighter jets, drones, helicopters, and other aircraft.