As the Biden administration inches closer to a nuclear deal that many say will allow Iran to develop nuclear weapons, Israel has announced a major breakthrough in its defense. Israel Defense Forces said Tuesday it has successfully tested a new ballistic missile that would destroy enemy missiles in space.
The Arrow Weapon System is part of an array of missile defenses Israel has developed in recent years to protect itself in any future conflict with archenemy Iran or regional terrorist groups, such as the Lebanese Hezbollah or the Palestinian Hamas in the Gaza Strip, both allies of Iran.n It is expected that Israel would also be called upon to aid its new allies like Saudi Arabia and the UAE who are also under threat from Iran.
The Defense Ministry said the system detected the target and fired two Arrow 3 interceptors at it, calling the mission a success.
“With every step forward, with every development, we equip the state of Israel with the capabilities to defend itself against developing threats,” Defense Minister Benny Gantz said in a statement. “Our systems provide Israel with the freedom to maneuver strategically.”
The system was developed by Israel Aerospace Industries, a state-run defense firm, in cooperation with the U.S. Missile Defense Agency.
DONATE: We need you to support truthful reporting on Israel
“This test was designed to challenge every element of the Arrow Weapon System, and it performed beautifully,” said Vice Adm. Jon Hill, director of the agency. “MDA remains committed to assisting the government of Israel in upgrading its missile defense capability against current and emerging threats.”
Israel’s shorter-range missile defenses were on vivid display during last year’s 11-day Gaza war, when the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas fired over 4,000 rockets at Israel. The military says it intercepted around 90 percent of the rockets it targeted, with the others mostly falling in open areas.
Funding for Israel’s security had been held up by the “Squad” who regularly use anti-semitic language in their arguments against the Jewish state. Israel currently provides missile defense technology to protect American forces serving around the world, including along the border with North Korea.
–Wire Services
