Air Force deploys anti-missile system battery in several locations in Tel Aviv metropolitan area for training, adjustment to region

Israel´s Air Force has started deploying an Iron Dome battery in several locations in the Tel Aviv metropolitan area, including Holon, for training purposes and adjustment to the region.

The anti-missile system has already been deployed in various locations across Israel this year including Jerusalem and Haifa.

The battery will stay in central Israel for several days as operators train on quick deployment.

The deployment was scheduled to take place earlier this month but was postponed due to the recent round of escalation in the south.

Next week, the system´s fourth battery which is meant to protect residents of the Tel Aviv metropolitan area will become fully operational. The recent upgrade in its technological capabilities will enable the battery to protect the area from rocket fire. Also, for the first time a female officer, Captain Revital Ozen, has been appointed the battery´s commander. The IDF Spokesperson´s Unit said that the Iron Dome is in the process of becoming operational as part of which the battery is being deployed in different locations across Israel.

The battery is worth $50 million, not including the costs of the rockets and infrastructure. US Congress has recently introduced an Iron Dome endorsement bill which recognizes the system´s operational success and strategic significance and proposes funding for additional batteries. (Copyright 2012 © Yedioth Internet 03/26/12)