(Jerusalem Post) Gabriel Scheinmann - The U.S. and Israel are jointly developing missile defense systems capable of protecting Israel, U.S. forces and friendly countries from potential medium- and long-range Iranian missile attacks. Once operational, the Arrow 3 will be the most advanced missile defense system in the world, a testament to the depth and ingenuity of the U.S.-Israel military alliance. Arrow 3 is "more advanced than what we have ever attempted in the U.S. with our programs," Lt. Gen. Patrick O'Reilly, director of the U.S. Missile Defense Agency, said earlier this year. The Arrow 3 interceptor boasts twice the range of the Arrow 2, despite being significantly smaller and weighing only half as much. Costs have dropped as well. In anticipation of a high volume of incoming missiles, the Super Green Pine radar can track 30 targets moving at speeds of more than 3,000 meters per second at a greater than 400 km. range, and the Arrow 3 should be capable of intercepting salvos of more than five enemy missiles within 30 seconds. The U.S. receives all data from Israeli field tests, reaping the benefits of a program it has helped fund.
2012-11-05 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive