Tests of Israel's newest missile defense system, crowned as "David's Sling," tested successfully today, moving Israel towards making its "multilayer missile defense" operational.
The missile defense system shot down a missile, of which it is designed to intercept with ranges of up to 300 kilometers (180 miles).
Israel has also deployed Arrow systems for longer-range threats from Iran. The Iron Dome protects against short-range rockets fired by militants in the Gaza Strip and Hezbollah guerrillas in Lebanon. Iron Dome shot down hundreds of rockets from Gaza in this month's round of fighting.
The Israeli military said the program, which is on schedule for to be fully functional and deployed in 2014, would "provide an additional layer of defense against ballistic missiles."
The next generation of the Arrow, now in the development stage, is set to be deployed in 2016. Called the Arrow 3, it is designed to strike its target outside the atmosphere, intercepting missiles closer to their launch sites. Together, the two Arrow systems would provide two chances to strike down incoming missiles.
Israel also uses U.S.-made Patriot missile defense batteries against mid-range missiles.
-- Political Pistachio Conservative News and Commentary
Israel Successfully Tests Missile Defense System - Associated Press
Israel Successfully Tests Missile Defense System - Associated Press
No comments:
Post a Comment