ARROW 2 MISSILE SUCCEEDS IN INTERCEPTING TARGET ROCKET FOR FIRST TIME ISRAEL LINE WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 1996 The Arrow 2 missile successfully intercepted a target rocket for the first time in a trial launch at the Palmachim air force base, HA'ARETZ reported. Tuesday's test was designed to check the Arrow 2's firing and targeting systems. It also collected information on missile behavior just before intercepting its target. The target rocket, which was programmed to imitate a ground to ground missile, was fired from a ship stationed off the Israeli coast. Upon reentering the earth's atmosphere, the target missile was destroyed by a direct hit from the Arrow 2. The Arrow 2 took 50 seconds to intercept the target and the point of impact was approximately 12.5 miles high. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Israel Aircraft Industries and the Air Force on the successful trial. The next test will be held at the beginning of 1997. The Arrow 2 is scheduled to be operational by the beginning of 1999. ISRAEL LINE
