WATCH: IDF successfully test fires Barak anti-missile system
Surface-to-air missile launched by Israel Navy intercepts target simulating incoming enemy missile.
By The Associated Press and Anshel Pfeffer Haaretz Service Tags: Israel news IDFThe Israel Navy has successfully test fired an improved model of the Barak anti-missile system, launching a surface-to-air missile against a target from a Sa'ar 5 type corvette.
During the test, the missile intercepted the target, which simulated an incoming enemy missile.
In a statement released Sunday, the Israel Defense Forces said the system featured an improved version of the missile that included upgrades to its rocket-interception capabilities.
The clip below shows the test, which took place last week.
In the video, the Barak leaps skyward from the deck of the missile boat, the INS Lahav, identifying its target, dropping to skim a few yards above the surface of the sea and exploding a few seconds later.
The Barak system was jointly developed by the Israel Defense Forces, the Israel Navy, RAFAEL Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. and Israel Aerospace Industries. The IDF described the Barak on Sunday as "one of the most advanced anti-missile systems in the world."
Launched in a vertical position, the Barak missile saves deck space and is able to fire at any target 360 degrees around the ship, the army said.
The IDF statement added that, "The Israel Navy is currently improving and modernizing its battle systems in order to prepare for the security challenges facing Israel."
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