Israel Aerospace Industries has performed a successful intercept test of an improved version of its Arrow-2 anti-ballistic missile system. The company used a "Blue Sparrow" launched from an Israeli air force fighter over the Mediterranean as a target.
New elements of the Arrow-2, launched from Palmachim air force base in central Israel, are classified, but programme manager Yoav Turgeman says the missile is intended "to be ready for the new threats that will be brought into our arena".
In parallel, IAI is developing an Arrow-3, described by sources as a "totally different system". This is aimed at intercepting new long-range missiles being developed by countries such as Iran.
The Arrow-3 will have a kinetic kill capability, in contrast to Arrow-2's proximity activation unit.
Source: Flight International