IDF completes testing of new raid siren

The Israel Home Front Command has completed testing of a new air raid siren, which will enable the public to be aware of incoming missiles carrying non-conventional warheads.

During a conflict, the system can be used to provide two different sirens for conventional missiles and for missiles carrying non-conventional warheads.

The alert system was originally intended to be tested early this year, but the plan was shelved due to Syrian uprising.

The tests have been conducted amidst concerns over possible misuse of Syria’s chemical weapons.

For every missile that will be launched from Syria, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) is expected to maintain a policy of airing the non-conventional siren.

A senior Home Front Command officer was quoted by the Jerusalem Post that: "This would be based on intelligence but there is no reason for people to put on their gas masks for every missile that is fired into Israel if they don’t have to."

Since 2006, Israel has doubled the number of signals installed throughout the country to 3,100 while a regular warning signal would be sounded for missiles launched from Lebanon.

Israel currently uses radars which can detect missile launches but cannot determine if a missile is carrying a non-conventional warhead.

Syria’s chemical weapons arsenal is reported to include Sarin, VX and mustard gas.