The Tamir interceptor system was designed to protect and defend Israeli economic assets at sea, such as its offshore natural-gas rigs.

By i24news

The IDF has conducted a successful live-fire interception test of its Tamir weapons system, which it describes as a “sea-borne Iron Dome”.

Successful live-fire test of its Tamir navel weapons system, which it describes as a ‘sea-borne Iron Dome’. – Photo: IDF Spokesperson’s Unit

The system can be installed aboard navy vessels and is intended to protect Israeli economic assets at sea, including gas rigs.

The test was conducted a few weeks ago from aboard the INS Lahav naval vessel, with a number of test rockets fired from onshore and successfully intercepted by the Tamir interceptor, which works in tandem with Adir radar systems.

Successful live-fire interception test of its Tamir weapons system, which it describes as a ‘sea-borne Iron Dome’. – Photo: IDF Spokesperson’s Unit

The Tamir is capable of intercepting short range ballistic rockets from a moving vessel.

The system is expected to become fully operational shortly with the recent test considered a major step forward.

During the 2014 war between Israel and Hamas and other Palestinian militant groups in the Gaza Strip, Israel deployed its Iron Dome system on land to shoot down rockets fired across the border.

Successful test with interception of its Tamir navel weapons system, which it describes as a ‘sea-borne Iron Dome’. – Photo by IDF Spokesperson’s Unit

A similar system has been in development for several years and was revealed to the public on Wednesday.

A video provided by the army showed a rocket launcher installed on a ship firing at targets in the sky and later intercepting a missile.

Israel has a number of assets at sea, including a major offshore gas rig around 16 nautical miles from Gaza.

Hamas has previously targeted the installation unsuccessfully.

Any damage to the rig could be potentially hugely damaging to the Israeli economy, since it provides large amounts of the country’s energy needs.

Last month the US Army successfully tested an Israeli-made interceptor air defense missile, used by Iron Dome batteries, to bring down a target drone as part of an exercise.

It was the first successful trial of an interceptor air defense missile made by Israeli defense company Rafael and it was carried out in cooperation with major US defense contractor Raytheon.

The Iron Dome system was jointly developed and funded with the United States.

Shai Ben Ari contributed to this report

View original i24news publication at:
http://www.i24news.tv/en/news/israel/diplomacy-defense/113735-160518-israel-conducts-successful-live-fire-interception-test-of-sea-borne-iron-dome