Israel tests Arrow anti-missile system

Israel tests Arrow anti-missile system

A graphic illustration released by the Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) on April 7, 2009 shows the Arrow ballistic missile interception system in a test against a simulated missile attack. Israel on Tuesday successfully intercepted a target simulant of an Iranian missile in a test of its Arrow anti-missile system.

JERUSALEM, April 7 -- Israel on Tuesday successfully intercepted a target simulant of an Iranian missile in a test of its Arrow anti-missile system, reported local daily Ha'aretz.

During the test, the target missile, simulating an Iranian Shehab, was launched by Israel's air forces over the Mediterranean Sea, before it was intercepted, an unnamed defense official was quoted as saying.

Over a dozen tests have so far been carried out on the Arrow system, which was co-funded by Israel and the United States and designed to shield the Jewish state from possible ballistic missile attacks by Iran and Syria, reported Israel Radio, adding that 90 percent of the tests are successful.

Late last month, Israel successfully completed a series of tests on its Iron Dome anti-rocket system, which is aimed to protect its citizens from possible rocket fire from Lebanon in the north and from the Gaza Strip in the south.

The two systems are major components of the multi-layer air defense system Israel is trying to build. Defense Minister Ehud Barak said last month that Israel aims at "reaching the stage in which a clear majority of missiles do not reach their targets."


Photo released by the Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) on April 7, 2009 shows the Arrow ballistic missile interception system in action. Israel on Tuesday successfully intercepted a target simulant of an Iranian missile in a test of its Arrow anti-missile system.
(Xinhua)