Israel Says Arrow Missile Defense System Test Successful

Israel Says Arrow Missile Defense System Test Successful
Associated Press Newswires 12/02/05
Copyright 2005. The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

JERUSALEM (AP)--Israel carried out a successful test of its Arrow missile defense system Friday, intercepting a missile similar to the long-range Shahab 3 being developed by Iran, defense officials said.

The test was carried out at an air force base in central Israel. It was the 14th test firing of the Arrow, which is being developed with the U.S.. The project has suffered several setbacks in the past.

Israel has identified Iran as its biggest threat, accusing Tehran of pursuing nuclear weapons. Iran says its nuclear program is solely for peaceful purposes.

Israeli concerns were heightened recently after Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad urged Israel be "wiped off the map."

The Iranian Shahab 3 can be equipped with nuclear warheads, and Tehran has said the missile could reach Israel and various U.S. military bases in the Middle East.

State-owned Israel Aircraft Industries and U.S.-based Boeing Co. (BA) began developing the Arrow system after Iraq fired 39 Scud missiles at Israel during the 1991 Gulf War.

Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said he was confident all diplomatic efforts to defuse Iran's nuclear program would be exhausted before military action is taken.

But the ability to carry out a military strike "of course exists," Sharon said.

Although Israel is preparing for the possibility Iran will acquire nuclear weapons, it won't lead the fight against the Tehran's nuclear ambitions, Sharon said.