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 Israel
conducted yesterday the 15th test of the IAI/Arrow Missile System,
intercepting a ballistic missile target missile with an Arrow-2
missile. The test took place at 9:18 p.m., the first time
such test is conducted at night time. This intercept was designed
to demonstrate the Arrow's capability and defeat threats farther
and higher than before, hinting at its capabilities to defeat
potential nuclear threats. It also tested the system's ability
to operate as a network of interceptors units and sensors located
at multiple and dispersed locations, contributing to the system's
efficiency, probability of kill and survivability.
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The target missile was a RAFAEL Black Sparrow, fired from an
Israel Air Force F-15 fighter jet. RAFAEL produces the Black
Sparrow, simulating the SCUD class missiles operated by Syria,
and the more agile Blue Sparrow, simulating faster, long range,
more agile targets such as the Iranian Shihab 3.
For the first time, the test included two Arrow batteries,
one located near the Mediterranean coast at the Palmahim Air
Force Base and another, based in Ein-Shemer in central Israel.
According to Jerusalem Post, the launcher used in the test was
an upgraded version and was fitted with active protection that
defends the system against enemy attacks and the interceptor
missile used was one of the new series of missiles, built in
cooperation with Boeing in the USA. The missile performed the
intercept of the target missile at an altitude higher than previous
tests, simulating an intercept of a targets which are expected
in the future, such as nuclear tipped long range missiles which
could be launched from Inar.
While Israel continues to develop and enhance the Arrow-2 through
a series of block upgrades (currently, Block 3 is in progress
and Block 4 is planned), the Israel MOD is investing significant
resources in an attempt to counter the short and medium range
rockets and missiles while future
defenses from ballistic missiles could be based on new U.S.
developed systems such as THAAD
and AEGIS.
A rare view into the Arrow weapon system "cube"
battle management center (Photo: Defense Update)
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