On July 5, 2016, the Israeli Navy successfully conducted an anti-ship missile exercise. During the exercise, Harpoon anti-ship missiles targeted the Israeli naval ship, “Atzmaut” (Hebrew for Independence), a retired Sa’ar 4-class missile ship.

The missile is a self-propelled precision-guided munition system that allows for accurate long-range strikes at sea. The Harpoon carries its own radar that can identify and hone in on the target during flight, until hitting it. It is the most advanced missile in the navy’s arsenal, assuring the highest level of accuracy.

This trial was part of a two-week exercise in the Mediterranean Sea. During the exercise, two Harpoon-guided anti-ship missiles with ranges beyond 60 miles (100 kilometers), targeted and struck the ship. The missiles hit the retired ship that sat 75 miles (120 kilometers) away from the active ship.

The exercise involved various scenarios that involved locating the enemy, planning the strike, confirming the target, and launching the missiles. The Israeli Navy practiced the most efficient and optimal way of destroying an enemy.  These capabilities are crucial to the unique circumstances of battle at sea of static and moving targets.