An advanced on-board defense system for civilian airliners has been developed by an Israeli defense consortium. The system is designed to detect an incoming missile and deflect it safely away from the airliner. Israel Aircraft Industries subsidiary Elta Electronics Industries, Koor Industries subsidiary Elisra Electronic Systems, and Rafael have developed the system in conjunction with Israeli intelligence agencies. In addition, development of the system was funded in part by the Israeli Transportation Ministry. Israeli financial sources have said that the system will be offered to foreign airlines, as well as most likely being put into operation on El Al and Arkia airplanes.



The system, among other advances, will be designed to counter shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missiles, such as those fired at an Arkia flight last week over Kenya. Last week’s attempted downing of a civilian aircraft has increased interest in the Israeli system and will most likely speed up the implementation schedule.