For the first time, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) successfully used the Hetz-3 missile defense system in combat conditions (Strela-3 — approx. "Tapes.ru"), designed to intercept ballistic missiles. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Defense of the country.
It is clarified that the air target heading towards the Jewish state was intercepted on November 9 in the sky over the Red Sea.
Israeli Defense Ministry
Earlier, the army press service reported several times about interceptions in the Red Sea area with the use of Strela complexes, but did not specify which modification was in question.
Hetz-3 is capable of shooting down targets outside the Earth's atmosphere
Hetz-3 is one of the components of Israel's multi-level missile defense system. Developed by Israel Aerospace Industries, it is capable of hitting high—altitude exoatmospheric targets - ballistic missiles outside the earth's atmosphere, as well as, theoretically, satellites. In particular, the complex is designed to detect and destroy Iranian Shihab-3 missiles, as well as other long-range missiles. The anti-missiles of the Israeli system are capable of intercepting missiles without having accurate data on their location. So, the system can determine the location of the target after entering the trajectory. "Hetz-3" implements the hit-to-kill principle, which assumes the destruction of the target by direct hit of the anti-missile warhead.
The commissioning of Strela-3 actually happened in 2017, when a surface-to-air missile was intercepted. however, in 2018-2019, the tests continued. For example, Israel and the United States launched an anti-missile in Alaska. Then in Tel Aviv, they explained the choice of location by saying that it was necessary to check the conditions of launches that could not be tested in a Middle Eastern country.
The Israeli missile defense system is considered one of the best in the world
Israel's anti-missile system consists of several deeply layered components. It includes the American—made Patriot complexes and the Hetz systems for destroying missiles at long distances; the David's Cloak - for intercepting missiles at a range of 70-300 kilometers; as well as the Iron Dome batteries, capable of shooting down short-range rockets.
Thus, the IDF claims, this is the first time in the history of the country when all available air defense systems are on combat duty at the same time. At the same time, the effectiveness of interception in percentage terms is not indicated, but it is noted that many missiles fell in deserted areas.
However, the Israeli missile defense system also has a significant disadvantage — the price of each anti-missile is many times higher than the cost of an attacking missile. As a result, the Ministry of Defense was even forced to ignore those missiles launched by the enemy, the trajectory of which was calculated and the fall of which would not cause damage to civilians.
The Palestinian movement Hamas has come up with another way to overcome what is considered one of the best missile defense systems in the world. The militants simultaneously launch a number of shells and drones, which the Israeli troops either will not have enough anti-missiles to defeat, or the military will not have time to recharge the complexes.