Posted on 01/05/2003 7:19:56 AM PST by TLBSHOW
Witnesses: Israel Test-Fires Arrow Missile
Jan. 5 — By Mark Heinrich
PALMAHIM, Israel (Reuters) - Israel carried out a test launch of its Arrow missile interceptor Sunday, stepping up preparations for possible attack by Iraq in event of a U.S.-led war in the Gulf, witnesses said.
An Arrow streaked westward over the Mediterranean after being fired from a seaside military base at Palmahim, south of Tel Aviv, witnesses said.
Israeli Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz has said the military would fire several of the Arrows, making it the first time a salvo had been launched. There was no immediate word if the 10th test of the $2.2 billion system was successful.
The targets were computer simulated Scud ballistic missiles, which the Arrow has been designed to intercept at altitudes of more than 30 miles.
Iraq fired 39 Scuds with conventional warheads at Israel in the 1991 Gulf War, causing one death and extensive damage in residential neighborhoods.
U.S.-made Patriot missiles supplied to Israel were largely ineffective in intercepting them but have since been upgraded.
Israel fears that this time, Iraq could arm the Scuds with chemical or biological agents, although most strategic experts believe Iraq retains little of the missile firepower it had 12 years ago.
In fact, I think the ignitor will be just warming up on the first one when Israel lets loose..
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