Israel to test Arrow 3

TEL AVIV, Israel, March 7 (UPI)

Tests to confirm the effectiveness of Israel's Arrow 3 system's interceptor missile are in the works.

Israel Aerospace Industries, which is developing the system with Boeing, said the tests would be conducted over a short period but didn't detail exactly when they were expected.

"Arrow 3, the improved model of the Arrow system, using the advanced and upgraded "Green Pine" radar system, is more capable than ever to deal with future threats," said Itzhak Kaya, head of the Arrow missile program at Israel Aerospace Industries.

"The previous tests of the weapon system, conducted a few weeks ago, were successful. The Arrow weapon system demonstrated improved identification of attacking missiles, ensuring successful target interception with high levels of certainty. "

The Arrow 3 is a double-stage, transportable theater missile defense system funded by Israel and the United States. An earlier version has been deployed by Israel and the advanced version 3 is to become operational by 2014. It has an operational range of 92 miles.

"Recent tests are being conducted according to the multiyear plan of the Israeli Ministry of Defense and our American partner," Kaya said. "The program is on track, meeting its expectations as a high priority defense system."