HAIFA, Israel, Oct. 9 (UPI) -- Israel has deployed a Patriot surface-to-air missile defense battery in the North just days after a drone penetrated Israel's airspace and was shot down.
The Israeli army deployed the battery Monday on Mount Carmel outside Haifa after Israeli fighter jets shot down an unidentified drone that entered Israel's airspace Saturday morning.
The Israeli army confirmed the deployment of the battery but said the move wasn't unusual, refusing to comment on whether it was related to the drone.
The deployment of the Patriot air defense battery occurs shortly before the start of a joint Israeli-U.S. military drill called AC12, Haaretz said Tuesday. The drill is aimed at testing the defense capabilities of both military organizations, the newspaper said.
The Patriot system has the ability to intercept medium-range ballistic missiles and plans as well as drones at ranges of 37 to 99 miles.
