During Operation Rising Lion (the 12-day war), a new and innovative system joined the mission of protecting the nation. Meet the Barak system, which intercepted dozens of threats from Iran within its first days of operational deployment.
The shifting security reality prompted the Israeli Air Force to act swiftly and decisively by integrating Barak Air and Missile defence system into its operational arsenal. Developed by IAI, this advanced weapon system was born out of an urgent need for a fast, effective response to threats from the Iranian theater. Now fully operational, the Barak system introduces new capabilities for threat detection and interception, complementing the existing multi-layered air and Missile defence architecture.
Major S., Head of Testing and Point Defence, and Commander of the Barak Battery, speaks about the new system:
“This system wasn’t developed overnight, but its operational integration was carried out rapidly and with precision, driven by a deep understanding that in today’s reality – where aerial threats from the east are immediate and tangible – we need a sharp, reliable, and fast response.”
Barak system’s primary mission is to neutralize aerial threats, including UAVs and long-range missiles, with extremely short reaction times. It now stands alongside the Israeli air and missile defence array in securing the skies, significantly reinforcing the sense of safety on the ground.
“This system was built specifically for these critical moments—when mere seconds determine the security of the State of Israel,” says Major S. with pride. “It’s a cutting-edge platform that was quickly brought to operational readiness, with intense engagement and proven results even in the early stages.”
The system is operated by elite air & missile defence officers and soldiers who underwent focused training to carry out their mission. Based on advanced Israeli technologies, Barak system integrates an IAI-ELTA radar (the MMR), launchers developed by IAI, and two types of IAI interceptors:
- LR for medium ranges up to 70 km
- ER for longer-range targets up to 150 km
“We brought in the system to generate more firepower,” explains Major S. “It adds a new layer of force – additional interceptors, precise long-range radar – all designed to provide a more effective response to complex threats aimed at strategic assets across the country.”
What makes the system especially unique, he says, is its ability to operate in sync with all other Air Force systems. “It’s smart, fully integrated, and fuses the overall aerial picture – intercepting targets it identifies as well as those detected by other systems,” Major S. explains.
Barak system was developed and tested in an accelerated and precise process, in a version tailored specifically for the Israeli Air Force.
“We’re not just receiving a system – we’re refining it in real-time, adding mechanisms, adjusting parameters. This is a version you won’t find in any other military,” says Major S.
highly coordinated sequence
In practice, the interception process is a highly coordinated sequence:
The radar identifies a threat → the system builds an interception plan → the officer reviews and approves → and engagement is executed – sometimes within mere seconds and always aligned with the rules of engagement.
Beyond the technological and operational aspects, Major S. also highlights the personal dimension of this historic effort.
“It’s a great privilege for me to take part in building this kind of capability- not only as a commander leading the integration but also as someone who operates the system in the field against real threats. This is truly a historic contribution.”
Today, the Barak system also operates in a naval variant aboard Israeli Navy ships.
“We were involved from the development stage – through testing and trials – and now we’re seeing the system in full force, delivering results,” says Major S. He also emphasizes the close partnership between the Air Force and defence industries.
“This cooperation is a model of joint effort. The defence industry teams were with us throughout the integration and operationalization process. Their contribution is equal to ours.”
