The Israeli Air Force (IAF) conducted a successful test today of yet another aspect of its Arrow anti-ballistic missile program: the missile's ability to hit four separate targets at once. Arutz-7's Kobi Finkler reports from the site that the test involved the simultaneous firing of four Arrow missiles at a volley of missiles "fired" at Israel from Iraq. The experimental launch was the tenth in a series of tests of the Arrow, all of which have been successful. U.S. Defense Department representatives observed today's test, the cost of which is estimated to be ten million dollars.
A computer-simulation of four Scud missiles "launched" by Iraq was the first step of the test, followed by their radar "discovery," the transmission of their vital stats to the firing control center, the calculation of a defense program, and the transmission of appropriate instructions to the firing center. The launcher in fact fired our missiles, three of which were designed to fall in the ocean.
A joint exercise of IDF and U.S. forces is also planned for the near future to test the efficacy of IDF anti-aircraft batteries in the event of an Iraqi plane or missile attack on Israel. The exercise will be conducted simultaneously at a number of sites in the country. In addition to the Arrow batteries, the exercise will also involve two Patriot anti-missile batteries recently shipped to Israel from Germany. An American ship equipped with long-range radar to detect missiles will also take part. The first groups of American soldiers manning the Patriots are expected to arrive in the next few days, as will two other Patriot batteries from Germany. The troops and the Patriots will remain in Israel after the exercise is completed.
A computer-simulation of four Scud missiles "launched" by Iraq was the first step of the test, followed by their radar "discovery," the transmission of their vital stats to the firing control center, the calculation of a defense program, and the transmission of appropriate instructions to the firing center. The launcher in fact fired our missiles, three of which were designed to fall in the ocean.
A joint exercise of IDF and U.S. forces is also planned for the near future to test the efficacy of IDF anti-aircraft batteries in the event of an Iraqi plane or missile attack on Israel. The exercise will be conducted simultaneously at a number of sites in the country. In addition to the Arrow batteries, the exercise will also involve two Patriot anti-missile batteries recently shipped to Israel from Germany. An American ship equipped with long-range radar to detect missiles will also take part. The first groups of American soldiers manning the Patriots are expected to arrive in the next few days, as will two other Patriot batteries from Germany. The troops and the Patriots will remain in Israel after the exercise is completed.