The U.S. Army has successfully executed a live-fire test of its first Iron Dome Defense System (IDDS-A) Battery,
The execution of the live-fire test of the first of two IDDS-A batteries, which the U.S. Army acquired from Israel, at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico was “a critical step” forward, the U.S. Army said in a statement.
Soldiers from the US Army’s 3-43 Air Defense Artillery (ADA) engaged eight cruise missile surrogate targets as part of the live-fire event.
The test was assisted by defence contractors Iron Dome developers Rafael, IAI Elta and more.
Israel Ministry of Defense tweeted: “The US Army, the Israel Missile Defense Organization (IMDO) and RAFAEL have completed a live-fire test of the first US Army Iron Dome Defense System (IDDS-A) Battery, which the US acquired from Israel.
“The performance and live-fire test was conducted at the White Sands New Mexico (WSMR) test range, and was the first time US soldiers intercepted live targets employing the Iron Dome System.”
The US Army has plans to field both IDDS-A batteries as an ‘interim’ cruise missile defence solution.
According to the service, IDDS-A will defend supported forces within fixed and semi-fixed locations against sub-sonic cruise missiles, Groups 2 &3 UASs, and mortar threats.