Israeli army is integrating new upgraded radar into Patriot air defense missile system 0103131

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Defence News - Israel

 
 
Friday, March 1, 2013, 09:47 AM
 
Israeli army is integrating new upgraded radar into Patriot air defense missile system.
The IDF's (Israeli Defense Forces) Air Defense Command is integrating an upgraded radar into its Patriot long-range missile defense system, following improvements developed by American defense industries as part of a special program of the U.S. Armed Forces, in conjunction with the IDF.
     
The IDF's (Israeli Defense Forces) Air Defense Command is integrating an upgraded radar into its Patriot long-range missile defense system, following improvements developed by American defense industries as part of a special program of the U.S. Armed Forces, in conjunction with the IDF.
Radar of Patriot air defense missile system
     
A ceremony was held Wednesday, February 27, 2013, to inaugurate the Patriot system's upgraded Radar 120. The new radar's integration within the IDF Air Defense Command, which will prepare it for operational use, was scheduled to begin yesterday.

The upgrades include a "clean-up" of the frequency transmitted by the radar as well as improvements to its antenna and control system.

"We are completing a long process today, as the radar is transferred to the unit," said Head of the Air Defense Formation Brig. Gen. Shachar Shochat, characterizing the achievement with "a sense of pride and great satisfaction."

"This is a radar that was integrated during the Gulf War in 1991," explained Maj. Nir Hokima, head of ground-to-air missiles in the Material Directorate. "It has worked nonstop, 24/7, very grinding work. When it was sent for an upgrade, it was no less than 21 years old," he emphasized, adding that "the upgrade expanded the lifetime of the radar and its reliability. Additionally, it underwent roughly 30 technical improvements upgrading its performance, safety and maintenance."