Israel debuted its new “Barak Magen” aerial defense system, also known as “lightning shield,” on Sunday night, successfully intercepting multiple targets.

According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the Israeli Navy used the “Barak Magen” and its long-range air defense (LRAD) interceptor, launched from a Sa’ar 6 missile ship, to take down eight Iranian drones.

John Hannah, a senior fellow at The Jewish Institute for National Security of America (JINSA) and co-author of a report on Israel’s defense against potential Iranian missile attacks, told Digital on Monday that the air defense system significantly strengthens the Israeli Navy’s air and missile defenses.

Hannah stated that the Barak Magen adds to Israel’s already advanced and diverse multi-layered missile defense system, which he considers the most experienced in the world.

The IDF reports that the system is capable of intercepting a “wide range of threats,” including UAVs, cruise missiles, high-trajectory threats, and shore-to-sea missiles.

Hannah added that the system not only protects the Israeli fleet but also offers long-range defense for oil and gas infrastructure in the eastern Mediterranean, as well as critical infrastructure and population centers along Israel’s coast.

He emphasized that the system allows Israel to intercept threats at considerable distances from its territory, both in the eastern Mediterranean and the Red Sea, providing crucial strategic depth for the country’s defense.

The IDF noted that the Israeli Navy’s missile ship flotilla has intercepted approximately 25 UAVs that posed a threat to Israel since the conflict escalated.

On Monday, Israel and Iran continued exchanging missile strikes for the fourth day, with Iran launching a new series of strikes that resulted in at least eight fatalities and numerous injuries.

Meanwhile, the Israeli military asserted air superiority over Tehran and warned approximately 330,000 residents in the central part of the Iranian capital to evacuate in anticipation of further strikes.

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