The U.S. Marine Corps has completed its first training exercise to launch an air defense system "including the Iron Dome" in Israel, the Israeli Defense Ministry announced Wednesday.

The system that was tested, according to a statement by the Israeli Ministry of Defense, relies on American radar and control systems, in addition to Iron Dome interceptor missiles, as well as portable launchers manufactured by the Israeli company Rafael and the American company Raytheon.

The Israeli Defense Ministry explained that the training, during which the system was fully operational to intercept a series of targets, is "a major step towards declaring a new prototype for the Marines.

Israel is the country in the world that has received the most American aid since the end of World War II.

The United States helped Israel develop and arm the Iron Dome short-range missile defense system, which was created after the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah.

In mid-October, the US Department of Defense (Pentagon) announced the deployment of the advanced THAAD missile defense system in Israel to enhance its air defenses, in light of the escalating tensions between Tel Aviv and Tehran.

Source: Sky News Arabia