A joint American-Israeli anti-ballistic missile system proved accurate and effective in an IDF test launch on

The Arrow II system was tasked with intercepting a missile modeled on the Iranian Shihab missile.

Tuesday. In a related preparedness effort, Israel is gearing up for a massive nationwide Homefront Command exercise slated for June.

In Tuesday's test, the Arrow II system was tasked with intercepting a missile modeled on the Iranian Shihab missile. The "red team" missile was launched over the Mediterranean Sea and successfully knocked out by the Arrow's anti-missile missile.

In a series of 14 intercept tests, the Arrow II theater ballistic missile defense system has proven itself effective against targets at both high and low altitudes. Two Arrow batteries are deployed in Israel, one near Tel Aviv and one near Haifa.

The Arrow II was developed by the MLM Division of Israel Aerospace Industries (formerly Israel Aircraft Industries) and its ongoing production is funded by the US Missile Defense Agency. Boeing and 150 American companies provide the components, with IAI handling integration and final assembly in Israel.

As the Israeli air defense maintains its preparedness levels, the Home Front Command is getting ready for what is billed as the largest exercise in Israeli history in June. In addition to training emergency services and the IDF, the drill is geared towards educating the civilian population about emergency response procedures as well.

The Homefront drill will include simulated missile strikes throughout the country, including sirens and calls for people to take shelter in protected areas. The exercise is scheduled for a week, during which emergency responders will be called upon to handle scenarios of WMD and conventional attacks.

Deputy Minister of Defense Matan Vilnai called the planned drill "just the tip of the iceberg." It is designed to raise the awareness of the public, he explained, "It is preferable to be prepared than that there be another surprise in this area."

A video and print campaign prepared by the Homefront Command has been designed to provide information to the entire population of Israel. Civilians are called upon to prepare emergency supplies and to familiarize themselves with secure areas in proximity to work and home.

Major Homefront Command drills in 2007 and 2008 were also called "the largest ever" at the time.