Air force’s giant missile-detecting balloon spotted along Lebanese border

By Emanuel Fabian

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6 January 2024, 5:48 pm Edit

Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent

Residents of northern Israel and southern Lebanon have spotted the Israeli Air Force’s new giant missile-detecting balloon, which has largely been out of service during the past year and a half.

The detection system, dubbed “Elevated Sensor,” or “Sky Dew” in Israel, is deployed at high altitudes to detect incoming long-range missiles, cruise missiles and drones.

The system is not yet operational and has seen significant setbacks with its deployment.

Kan news reports that the system was made airborne today after components ordered from the United States arrived.