Israel, US test ballistic missile interceptor

Jerusalem: The Israeli and US defence ministries said on Tuesday they had successfully tested ballistic missile interceptors deployed at Israeli airbases. The Arrow 3 interceptor system, designed to shoot down missiles above the atmosphere, was deployed at air force bases across Israel two years ago. An Israeli defence ministry statement said on Tuesday that the system’s radars had detected the target, a replica missile launched from central Israel. “At the right moment, the Arrow 3 interceptor was launched towards the target and successfully completed its mission,” it said. Arrow 3 is intended to serve as Israel’s highest-altitude missile interception system. Systems for intercepting incoming missiles at lower altitudes are either already deployed or close to becoming operational. Israel’s Arrow system, partly financed by the United States, was developed and produced by Israeli Aerospace Industries in partnership with Boeing. “The success of this test is a major milestone in the operational capabilities of the State of Israel and its ability to defend itself against current and future threats in the region,” the defence ministry said on Tuesday. — AFP