In a first of its kind, the Israeli Air Force effectively employed its recently developed Barak air defense system to intercept an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that invaded Israeli airspace, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement on Friday through X (formerly Twitter). The interception was the first operational use of the Barak system by the Air Force, as tensions with Iran have increased.
Barak System Boosts Air Defence System of Israel
Indigenous development, the support system Barak is intended to defend against a wide range of aerial attacks, such as drones, cruise missiles, and guided weapons. A statement from the IDF read, “The Air Force will keep operating to intercept targets that pose a threat to the skies of the State of Israel and the preservation of air superiority in the area.”
מערכת ״ברק״ בשימוש ראשון במערך ההגנה האווירית של חיל האוויר יירטה כלי טיס בלתי מאוייש
מוקדם יותר היום מערכת ״ברק״ של מערך ההגנה האווירית של חיל האוויר, יירטה כלי טיס בלתי מאוייש שחצה לשטח ישראל.
מערכת ״ברק״ פותחה בישראל על מנת להגן מפני איומים אוויריים.
חיל האוויר ימשיך לפעול… pic.twitter.com/9ZoBGXA0Hk
— צבא ההגנה לישראל (@idfonline) June 20, 2025
This historic deployment occurs in the wake of growing Iranian drone operations and is a significant step forward in Israel’s multi-tiered air defense system.
Navy Also Deploys Barak Magen in Combat for the First Time
Earlier this week, the Israeli Navy confirmed the first combat deployment of the naval version, dubbed Barak Magen, on a Sa’ar 6-class Corvette. As reported by the IDF, eight Iranian drones that took off overnight were intercepted successfully by the Navy with Barak Magen.
Since the commencement of open hostilities with Iran last Friday, the Israeli Navy has confiscated almost 25 drones at sea with its enhanced defence systems.
Advanced Technology Drives Barak Magen at Sea
It is manufactured by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and equipped with the EL/M-2248 MF-STAR radar as well as long-range LRAD interceptor missiles. It provides 360-degree detection of threats and is capable of intercepting airborne targets at over 150 kilometres away, and hence it is a game-changer in naval defence.
In contrast to Israel’s ground-based systems, such as the Iron Dome and David’s Sling, the Barak Magen is specifically intended for naval operations only. It is now installed on Sa’ar 6-class ships, which protect Israel’s Mediterranean Sea offshore gas platforms and economic zones.
This dual deployment—both airborne and on water—indicates Israel’s heightened preparedness to handle UAV threats and maintain air superiority amid heightened regional tensions.
