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Israel has recently deployed its ship-mounted defence system, known as the C-Dome, for the first time, successfully intercepting a "suspicious" aerial target that entered the country's airspace near the southern city of Eilat, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

The IDF reported an alert in the Eilat area on Monday evening, which was previously targeted by intercepted ballistic missile fire in February, launched by Yemen's Houthi rebels, who are allied with Palestinian militants Hamas.

Following the sounding of sirens in the region, IDF Naval forces identified an unidentified aircraft crossing into Israeli territory. A statement released by the IDF confirmed that the target was effectively intercepted by the C-Dome naval defence system.

The C-Dome system, mounted on Sa'ar 6-class corvettes, utilizes the same interceptor as the land-based Iron Dome defence system, as stated by the state-owned operator Rafael Advanced Defence Systems. The Iron Dome has been extensively used to counter rocket attacks over the years, primarily from the Gaza Strip, controlled by Hamas.

Though the IDF spokesperson did not disclose any specific information regarding the nature of the "suspicious" target, it is noteworthy that this marked the operational debut of the C-Dome system.

The successful interception serves as a testament to Israel's commitment to safeguarding its airspace and protecting its citizens from potential threats posed by hostile aircraft. The C-Dome system is an essential addition to Israel's defence capabilities, providing a naval counterpart to the highly effective Iron Dome, and further strengthening the nation's resilience against rocket and missile attacks.

As tensions in the region persist, Israel's proactive measure in utilizing the C-Dome signifies its readiness to respond swiftly and effectively to any potential threats that may emerge along its coastlines. The deployment also highlights the continuing need for robust defence systems to ensure the safety of Israeli territories.

It is crucial to note that the C-Dome system has proven to be an invaluable tool in the nation's defence arsenal, effortlessly intercepting the unidentified aerial target in question. With the C-Dome having performed its first-ever operational duty, Israel is poised to continue utilizing this naval defence system to shield its maritime borders against potential threats effectively.

In terms of budgetary implications, the Iron Dome defence system, which the C-Dome is based on, costs approximately $50,000 per launch. However, specific details about the deployment expenses of the C-Dome system have not been disclosed.

As the situation in the region remains volatile, Israel's move to deploy the C-Dome system marks a significant step towards ensuring the nation's security and protecting its airspace from potential aerial threats. The successful interception of the "suspicious" target serves as a testament to Israel's commitment to maintaining its defence capabilities and safeguarding the well-being of its citizens.