Israel Deploying Massive Blimp In North To Detect Threats

Israel is preparing to deploy a massive blimp in the north of the country that will provide advanced warning of missile and drone threats with initial testing taking place Wednesday, the Defense Ministry announced.

The High Availability Aerostat System (HAAS) was inflated as part of the Elevated Sensor (ES) system that will be used at military facilities in northern Israel.

The aerostat is one of the largest airships of its type in the world and was developed and manufactured by the US-based company TCOM.

The advanced radar system is designed to detect long-range threats at high altitudes, adding another early warning capability to existing air defense detection systems operating across Israel.

The system was developed under a program between the Israel Missile Defense Organization (IMDO) and the US Missile Defense Agency (MDA).

"The IMDO and MDA, together with the IAF [Israeli Air Force] and defense industries are constantly improving Israel’s threat detection capabilities. This aerostat system will cruise at high altitudes and provide an exceptional, multi-directional detection capability against advanced threats," IMDO Director Moshe Patel said.

Israel shares a northern border with two hostile neighbors in Lebanon and Syria. 

Tensions escalated over the summer during a series of rocket attacks emanating from Lebanon. The five rocket attacks aimed at northern Israel occurred in May, July and August.