Israel Successfully Tests Upgraded Arrow Missile Defense System

The Israeli Air Force successfully conducted its 16th test of the Arrow missile defense system.

An improved Arrow missile, with modifications to its hardware and electronics, was successfully test-fired on March 26, 2007, at Palmahim Air Force Base south of Ashdod. The test, which took only one minute, was overseen by the Defense Ministry's Homa Missile Defense Agency.

The purpose of the test was to launch the missile in a fly-out (where a missile is fired without intercepting a target) and gather information on its flight and performance. The data will be evaluated by the Israel Aerospace Industries Arrow team and applied to continued development.

A senior defense official said that the Arrow was capable of intercepting all ballistic missiles currently capable of threatening Israel, including those in the hands of Iran and Syria.