Improved Arrow Missile Destroys Target in Latest Test of the System
Apr 7, 2009
The following announcement was issued by Israel's Ministry of Defence spokesman on April 7th, 2009:
The Arrow Weapon System successfully completed a test this morning (7 April, 2009) and destroyed the target missile which simulated a number of challenging future threats.
This is the seventeenth Arrow intercept test, and the eleventh as part of the Arrow System Improvement Program (ASIP), involving collaboration between Israel and the United States.
The target missile simulated a number of challenging future threats. The target trajectory simulated an operational scenario and all the weapon's system assemblies performed accordingly.
After launch of the target, the weapon system began operation. The Fire Control Radar (FCR) acquired the target, sending data to Battle Management Command and Control (BMC). A defensive intercept plan was issued and firing command was sent to the launcher. The interceptor was then launched towards the target, and performed successfully, eliminating the target.
Representatives from the Israel Missile Defense Organization (IMDO) in cooperation with the US Missile Defense Agency (MDA) both took part in this test.
The success of this project is a significant accomplishment and an important milestone in developing and improving operational abilities that provide a response to the increasing threat of ballistic missiles in the region.
Minister of Defense Mr. Ehud Barak witnessed the launching from an IDF helicopter while on his way back from the south of Israel. During the flight he was updated on the successful launch. Barak stated: "The future missile defense system is a vital project for the security of Israel. Combined with the "Iron Dome", which also had a successful test last week, it gives Israel enhanced and immediate protection from strategic threats. The Ministry of Defense is working intensively to provide a multi-layered defense system against both missiles and rockets to ensure the safety of Israel’s citizens".
The Director General of the Ministry of Defense, Mr Pinchas Bochris, stated that "the success of the intercept is an important step in developing a projection system against future threats." He also praised the defense industries, the Ministry of Defense and the IDF for their creativity and their cooperation that resulted in a successful test.
Israel Aerospace Industries' President and CEO, Mr Itzhak Nissan noted: "This is a substantial success and challenging test facing the future threats we may face in our region. IAI's MLM Division, as prime contractor, together with other IAI divisions are participating in the Arrow Project to contribute to the security of Israel".
For more information, please contact:
Doron Suslik
Deputy Vice President of Communications
Tel: 03-935-8509
Fax: 03-935-8512
Email: hpaz@iai.co.il
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