Israeli Army Deploys Miniature Missile Defence System

The Israeli Army has deployed a miniature missile defence system, the new active protection system (APS), in order to gain the technological upper hand in missile combat over Palestinian militants.

The missile defence system, also known as Windbreaker, supplements the Arrow anti-ballistic missiles system and the Iron Dome against short-range artillery shells and rockets.

The $1m Windbreaker is equipped with sensors and radar that detect and dispatch an interceptor missile to destroy the hostile weapon before it can hit targets, according to Inter Press Service.

Israeli Defence Ministry former chief scientist General (Ret.) Uzi Eilam said the tank could neutralise missiles by itself instead of relying on passive protection provided by heavy armour.

The system has been developed by Rafael together with Israel Aircraft Industries in the wake of Israel’s 2006 war on Hezbollah in Lebanon.