Israel tests ballistic missile interceptor

AFP, JERUSALEM: Israel and the United States on Thursday successfully tested a ballistic missile interceptor as the Jewish state seeks to upgrade its defences in the face of regional threats, officials said.
The trial from an Israeli test range involved the Arrow 3 interceptor, designed to shoot down missiles above the atmosphere, with Israel concerned over the potential for attacks from enemies including Iran.
A similar test a year ago failed, but Thursday’s trial intercepted a ballistic missile target above the Mediterranean.
“This successful test is a major milestone in the development of the Arrow Weapon System and provides confidence in future Israeli capabilities to defeat the developing threats,” Israel’s defence ministry said.
“Additional Arrow-3 interceptor tests are planned in the future to demonstrate capability prior to becoming operational.”
The Arrow project was first launched in 1988 as part of the then Star Wars programme under late US president Ronald Reagan that was abandoned in 1993.

Israel tests ballistic missile interceptor

AFP, JERUSALEM: Israel and the United States on Thursday successfully tested a ballistic missile interceptor as the Jewish state seeks to upgrade its defences in the face of regional threats, officials said. The trial from an Israeli test range involved the Arrow 3 interceptor, designed to shoot down missiles above the atmosphere, with Israel concerned over the potential for attacks from enemies including Iran. A similar test a year ago failed, but Thursdays trial intercepted a ballistic missile target above the Mediterranean. This successful test is a major milestone in the development of the Arrow Weapon System and provides confidence in future Israeli capabilities to defeat the developing threats, Israels defence ministry said. Additional Arrow-3 interceptor tests are planned in the future to demonstrate capability prior to becoming operational. The Arrow project was first launched in 1988 as part of the then Star Wars programme under late US president Ronald Reagan that was abandoned in 1993.