July 24, 2009 :: AP :: News
Israel conducted its first live-fire test of its short-range missile defense system last week. The Defense Ministry says it successfully intercepted a missile meant to simulate incoming Katyushas and Kassams.
The test was part of the implementation of "Iron Dome," one component of Israel's comprehensive missile defense program. Started in 2003 but greatly accelerated in 2006, the Israeli Defense Ministry seeks effective defense against both short range missiles from the likes of Hezbollah, as well as the long-range threat presented by Iran's Shahab-class missiles. Iron Dome will address the threat of short range missiles, with deployment scheduled for Gaza and then the Lebanese border.
The Arrow II missile defense component of the IDF's missile defense system, a joint venture of Israeli Aerospace Industries and Boeing, will be part of Israel's protection against longer range missiles. In a test this week—conducted off the coast of California in order to simulate longer launching distances than are possible at Israeli testing sites—was aborted when the interceptor could not establish adequate connection to the radar system. (Article)
» Coverage of the successful intercept from the Jerusalem Post
» Arrow II test in California
» Israeli Arrow Interceptor Successfully Destroys Target
» Israel Arrow 2 Intercept Exceeds Expectations
» Missile system details for: Arrow
