Israel floats trial for new balloon-based drone, missile-detecting radar

The early-detection balloon and radar are the latest in Israel's rapidly growing arsenal of missile defense systems.

AL-MONITOR Staff
AL-MONITOR Staff
Nov 4, 2021
This picture shows a High Availability Aerostat System (HAAS) in northern Israel, on Nov. 4, 2021.
This picture shows a High Availability Aerostat System (HAAS) in northern Israel, on Nov. 4, 2021. Israel is preparing to launch the giant balloon equipped with an advanced missile and aircraft detection system in northern Israel, the Defense Ministry said. Set to take place at an uncertain date, the deployment of the radar-based system is part of an effort by the Israeli air force to improve the country's air defenses against enemy missiles and drones. — JALAA MAREY/AFP via Getty Images

Israel’s military kicked off testing for a new missile detection system that utilizes a high-altitude, zeppelin-like balloon.

The new High Availability Aerostat System (HAAS) combines with advanced radar to detect distant missile launches, state-owned Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) CEO Boaz Levy said in a statement.

“This technology increases the reliability of the aerial surveillance picture and increases efficiency against a range of targets,” Levy said.

The system was developed with a subsidiary owned by IAI and US-based manufacturer TCOM. It is the latest Israeli missile defense project jointly backed by the US Missile Defense Agency.

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