The Arrow missile was fired at 10:28 Friday morning (3:28 a.m. EST) from the center of the country toward a simulated enemy missile designed to resemble an Iranian weapon capable of carrying a nuclear warhead. This was the ninth time Israel has tested the missile, in addition to other tests of the entire system. A missile test last year failed.
Military officials expressed satisfaction with the test, which was more complicated than previous exercises. Defense Ministry Director Yaakov Toran said that the defense establishment "has proven once more its technological contribution to national security." Officials said the engine developed by Israeli engineers improved the system.
Meanwhile, a Russian newspaper reported that Moscow is selling Iran 29 missile systems which can destroy airplanes and guided missiles. Russia also has initiated a move to allow Iran to develop is nuclear energy program in return for enriched uranium, which can be used for nuclear weapons. American officials expressed fears that Russia cannot be trusted and that Iran will find a way to recover the enriched uranium.
Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said on Thursday that Israel would not stand by quietly if Iran develops its nuclear program, but would not act alone as it did against Iraq's nuclear facility in 1981. See related story below.
Military officials expressed satisfaction with the test, which was more complicated than previous exercises. Defense Ministry Director Yaakov Toran said that the defense establishment "has proven once more its technological contribution to national security." Officials said the engine developed by Israeli engineers improved the system.
Meanwhile, a Russian newspaper reported that Moscow is selling Iran 29 missile systems which can destroy airplanes and guided missiles. Russia also has initiated a move to allow Iran to develop is nuclear energy program in return for enriched uranium, which can be used for nuclear weapons. American officials expressed fears that Russia cannot be trusted and that Iran will find a way to recover the enriched uranium.
Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said on Thursday that Israel would not stand by quietly if Iran develops its nuclear program, but would not act alone as it did against Iraq's nuclear facility in 1981. See related story below.