Israel successfully tests Arrow-2 missile interceptor

A test of Israel's Arrow-2 missile interceptor system is seen at a site in central Israel, according to Israel Missile Defense Organization in the Ministry of Defense and the U.S. Missile Defense Agency August 12, 2020. Picture taken August 12, 2020. Israeli Ministry of Defense Spokesperson's Office/Handout via REUTERS

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Israel successfully tested its Arrow-2 ballistic missile interceptor on Wednesday, the U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA) said.

“The Arrow-2 interceptor successfully performed its planned trajectory and destroyed the target,” the Pentagon agency said in a statement.

“Israel faces far and near challenges and our technological know-how … promises that we will always be one step ahead of our enemies and defend the State of Israel,” Defense Minister Benny Gantz said.  

“The joint test with the United States expresses the friendship and partnership between our countries, and the United States’ deep commitment to the security of Israeli citizens,” Gantz added. “We will continue to work together to strengthen the capabilities of the security system – in the air, at sea, on land and in cyberspace. “

The Arrow-2 and a newer generation system, Arrow-3, serve as the top tier of an integrated Israeli shield built up with U.S. backing to withstand various potential missile salvoes.

“MDA remains committed to assisting the government of Israel as it upgrades its national missile defense capability against current and emerging threats,” said the agency’s director, Vice Admiral Jon Hill.

The test was conducted at a test range in central Israel and over the Mediterranean Sea, MDA said.

© 2020, GDC. © GDC and www.globaldefensecorp.com. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to www.globaldefensecorp.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.