Israel fires multiple Arrow anti-missile missiles in successful test

(5 Jan 2003)

1. Pan of landscape where Arrow missile is to be launched with cameras
2. Building housing observing point
3. Arrow missile flying through sky
4. Helicopter hovering above
5. Various Arrow missile in sky

STORYLINE:

Israel on Sunday carried out its most ambitious test of the Arrow anti-missile system, firing several interceptors at once at simulated incoming rockets in what was described as a dress rehearsal for a possible attack by Iraq.

In nine previous launches, only one Arrow was fired each time.

Israel Radio reported that the test was successful, but Army Radio said the test results were still being evaluated.

Witnesses saw a missile vapour trail rising from the Palmachim air base, south of Tel Aviv, over the Mediterranean Sea, but it was impossible to determine how many missiles were launched.

The test, reportedly conducted in the presence of American experts, was seen as a signal to Iraqi President Saddam Hussein that any missile strike could be thwarted by the high-tech system.

Israel believes Iraq may try to attack the Jewish state with Scud missiles in response to an anticipated US military campaign against Saddam - as Iraq did in the 1991 Gulf War, when it fired 39 Scud missiles with conventional
explosive warheads at Israel, causing damage but few casualties.

The launch included the firing of several Arrow missiles at once over the Mediterranean to intercept a number of simulated targets, the radio report said.

Israelis have been displaying growing concern over the possibility of an Iraqi attack, and a successful Arrow test might help allay fears. A failure, on the other hand, could increase them.

The Arrow is the most advanced missile defence system of its kind in the world, and such a test has never been performed before.

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