Israel Successfully Tests Arrow Radar System (04/15/08)

Israel successfully tested the Green Pine Radar - an integral part of the Arrow missile defense system - as it tracked a missile made by Rafael, Blue Sparrow, which mimics an upgraded version of Iran’s Shihab 3 ballistic missile that carries a split warhead and has advanced radar evading capabilities. The Green Pine Radar located and identified the incoming missile and the Citron Tree battle management center related the information to the Arrow battery. A missile was not fired in the exercise. Israel last tested its Arrow missile in February 2007. The simulation was part of the Arrow’s annual test program and was not connected to intelligence concerning an imminent conflict with any of Israel’s neighbors. The IAF plans to hold another drill later in the year, during which it will test-fire an Arrow missile to try and intercept an incoming missile.