Article Posted on : - Sep 11, 2014

A file photo.

JERUSALEM (BNS): Israel in cooperation with the US Missile Defence Agency (MDA) conducted test firing of an improved version of the Arrow-2 interceptor missile system on Sept 9, the results of which "are being analysed."

The test was conducted at an Israeli test range over the Mediterranean Sea during which an upgraded Arrow-2 missile, intended to counter future threats, was launched and performed its flight sequence as planned.

The results are being analysed by programme engineers, the US MDA said, adding that the test results have no effect on the Israeli operational system capability to cope with the existing threats in the region.

The Arrow 2 anti-ballistic missile system has been operational in the Israeli Defence Forces for several years.

Israel is also developing Arrow-3 which would have the capability to destroy an incoming target with an exo-atmospheric kill vehicle. The new weapon would destroy targets at higher altitudes than its predecessors.

The Arrow family of anti-theater ballistic missiles (ATBMs) has been designed to detect, intercept and destroy incoming theater ballistic missiles (TBMs). The missiles use two-stage interceptor and can carry various types of warheads.

The Arrow programme has been a cooperative effort between the US MDA and the Israel Missile Defence Organisation since 2002.