Israeli Missile Developments
- From: jgarbuz@xxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: 28 Aug 2006 08:34:55 -0700
Back to Country Index COUNTRY PROFILE
Nuclear Biological Chemical Missile
Access Newswire
Country Information
Missile Chronology
2000-2006
This annotated chronology is based on the data sources that follow each
entry. Public sources often provide conflicting information on
classified military programs. In some cases we are unable to resolve
these discrepancies, in others we have deliberately refrained from
doing so to highlight the potential influence of false or misleading
information as it appeared over time. In many cases, we are unable to
independently verify claims. Hence in reviewing this chronology,
readers should take into account the credibility of the sources
employed here.
Inclusion in this chronology does not necessarily indicate that a
particular development is of direct or indirect proliferation
significance. Some entries provide international or domestic context
for technological development and national policymaking. Moreover, some
entries may refer to developments with positive consequences for
nonproliferation.
6 April 2000
Israel tests launches a Jericho-I missile off the Israeli coast that
lands 64km from the US Navy Aegis cruiser Anzio, which is en route to a
joint exercise with the IDF. U.S. Navy officials protest to Israeli
officials regarding the proximity of the launch and the "no notice"
missile launch policy implemented by the IDF.
--"U.S. Miffed at Jericho Missile Test," Jerusalem Post, 3 May 2000.
May 2000
Israel is reported to have secretly carried out its first test-launches
from two German-built Dolphin-class submarines of cruise missiles
capable of carrying nuclear warheads. The missiles launched from
vessels off the coast of Sri Lanka in the Indian Ocean are said to have
hit a target at a range of about 1,500km. Israel is reported to possess
a 200kg nuclear warhead, containing 6kg of plutonium that could be
mounted on cruise missiles.
Israel is reportedly developing an air-launched cruise missile that
could be operational by 2002, called the Popeye Turbo. The Popeye Turbo
has an estimated range between 200-350km and is a turbo-jet powered
cruise missile that incorporates avionics and other components
developed for the Popeye family of missiles. The AGM-142 HAVE NAP is a
variant of the Israeli Air Force Popeye missile, which uses a
solid-propellant rocket motor. The Popeye II, also known as the Have
Lite, is a smaller missile with more advanced technology. The Popeye II
is designed for deployment on fighter aircraft and has a range of
150km.
The Popeye Turbo missile is likely similar, if not identical, to the
Israeli submarine-launched cruise missile carried on the Dolphin-class
submarines. The baseline Popeye missile has a range of 80km has a
diameter of 21 inches, and is around 16 feet long.
The reported range of 1,500km for the SLCM tested is several times
greater than the previously reported range for the Popeye Turbo. [Note:
However, little is known about the Popeye Turbo and open source
literature provides little information on this system.]
--Federation of American Scientists, "Special Weapons Systems, Israel,
Popye," [undated],
<http://www.fas.org/nuke/guide/israel/missile/popeye-t.htm>.
August 2000
Space Imaging Corporation satellite photos indicate Israeli nuclear
facilities have not expanded considerably over the last 30 years.
Before publication of the photos, international specialists had
concluded that Israel had stockpiled approximately 400 nuclear warheads
for its Jericho missiles. However, the Federation of American
Scientists now estimates the warheads are not in excess of 200.
--David Horowitz "Satellite Sees Little Growth in Israel's Nuclear
facility," Irish Times, 25 August 2000,
<http://web.lexis-nexis.com/universe>.
September 2000
In its eighth test, the Arrow-2 hits and destroys a Black Sparrow
target simulating a Scud flying towards the launch site, simulating a
300km-range ballistic missile attack. Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI)
declares that the system is ready for use.
--Wisconsin Project on Nuclear Arms Control, "Israeli Missile
Milestones," Risk Report (6) 2, November/December 2000,
<http://www.wisconsinproject.org/>; Jane's Strategic Weapons Systems
36, "Defensive Weapons, Israel, Arrow," 12 November 2001,
<http://online.janes.com>.
September 2000
The Arrow's radar detects the test of a Scud-D missile launched in
eastern Syria.
--Wisconsin Project on Nuclear Arms Control, "Israeli Missile
Milestones," Risk Report (6) 2, November/December 2000,
<http://www.wisconsinproject.org/>.
October 2000
The first batteries of the Arrow-2 system are declared operational.
--Jane's Strategic Weapons Systems 36, "Defensive Weapons, Israel,
Arrow," 12 November 2001, <http://online.janes.com>.
June 2001
An unnamed Israeli Defense Forces source confirms the suspected link
between the Jericho missile and the Shavit satellite launch vehicle
stating that the "Shavit is Jericho." [Note: This revelation confirms
years of speculation from international experts.]
--"Israel's Triad Could Deter TBM Attacks," Jane's Missiles & Rockets,
June 2001, <www.janes.com>.
June 2001
Israel conducts a Jericho-II flight test from the Palmachim flight-test
center near Tel Aviv.
--Jane's Strategic Weapon Systems 36, "Offensive Weapons, Israel,
Jericho I/2 (YA-1/YA-3)," 24 July 2001, <http://online.janes.com>.
26 June 2001
Israel successfully places its newest and most secret spy satellite,
Ofek 5, in orbit an estimated 1000km above earth. The launch is
conducted from the Shavit SLV and takes place at a site near the
Palmachim Air Force base on the Mediterranean coast, west of Rishon
Lezion and Rehovoth. The "brilliant flash and sparkling tail" is
witnessed by thousands of motorists driving south and east on highways
out of Tel Aviv, and gives rise to rumors of a Jericho-II launch. What
witnesses actually see is the boost phase of the Ofek-5 by the Shavit.
--"DEBKA Military Sources: Israel Successfully Launched Secret Spy
Satellite," DEBKA-Net-Weekly, in FBIS GMP20010706000093, 5 July 2001.
27 August 2001
Israel conducts a test of the Arrow-2 anti-ballistic missile system at
the Palmachin airbase.
--Encyclopedia Astronautica, "Arrow-2,"
<http://www.astronautix.com/lvs/arrow2.htm>.
12 October 2003
A Los Angeles Times report discloses that Israel has modified
US-supplied Harpoon cruise missiles to carry nuclear warheads on
submarines. US officials disclose the information "to caution Israel's
enemies at a time of heightened tensions in the region [because of the
US-British invasion of Iraq] and concern over Iran's alleged [nuclear
weapons] ambitions." [Note: It is unclear from the report whether US
and Israeli officials were responding to the Times report or the
revelations by the officials came first.]
--Douglas Frantz, "Israel Adds Fuel to Nuclear Fire," Los Angeles
Times, 12 October 2003,
<http://www.iai.co.il/site/en/iai.asp?pi=23048&doc_id=26778>.
16 December 2003
Israel successfully conducts a test of the Arrow weapon system. It is
the eleventh Arrow interceptor test and the sixth test of the complete
weapon system. The test objectives are to demonstrate the system's
improved performance including a higher altitude interception of an
incoming target. According to Israeli Aircraft Industries, "the target
trajectory demonstrated an operational scenario against the state of
Israel and all the system components performed in their operational
configuration." The target is air launched toward the Israeli coast.
Working in operational configuration, the Fire Control Radar (FCR)
acquires the target and sends data to the Battle Management Center
(BMC). A defense plan was issued and a mission command sent to the
launcher. The interceptor performs successfully and the target is
intercepted.
--Israeli Aircraft Industries, "Successful Arrow Test," 16 December
2003, <http://www.iai.co.il/site/en/iai.asp?pi=23048&doc_id=26778>.
3 March 2004
Israel's state-owned defense contractor, Israel Aircraft Industries,
reports that it successfully tested a solid-fuel, long range guided
missile in the Mediterranean Sea. The missile is meant to destroy
targets such as surface-to-air missiles, air defense units, and command
and control sites.
--"Israel Tests New Missile," United Press International, 3 March 2004.
19 May 2004
The Israel Defense Forces announce that it has over the two previous
days successfully tested Patriot and Hawk missiles at an Israel Air
Force base in central Israel. The tests were intended to check recent
technological refinements on the two missiles, which are become part of
Israel's air defense.
--"IAF Conducts 'Patriot' and 'Hawk' Missile Test," Globes Online, 19
May 2004.
9 June 2004
Jane's Defense Weekly reports that Israel has developed its first
surface-to-surface cruise missile with a range of over 180 miles. The
Delilah-GL (ground launch) is a derivation of the Delilah, an
air-launched Israeli missile.
--"Report: Israel Develops its First Cruise Missile," Associated Press,
9 June 2004.
29 July 2004
Israel successfully tests the Arrow II anti-ballistic missile at the
Point Magu Sea Range in California. The test utilizes a confiscated
Iraqi Scud missile as the target for the Arrow II. The arrow program is
half funded by the United States.
--"Israel Says Anti-Missile Missile Successfully Test-Fired in US,"
Agence France Presse, 29 July 2004.
27 August 2004
Israeli officials defend a failed test of the Arrow II anti-ballistic
missile system. The test, which was carried out in California, involved
a simulation of weapons similar to those possessed by Syria and Iran.
In this particular test, the incoming weapons were not successfully
intercepted. The Associated Press reports that this is the 13th
interception test of the Arrow II system.
--"Israelis Defend Missile Failure," BBC News, 27 August 2004.
September 2004
The United States and Israel secretly test the Arrow anti-ballistic
missile in California over the previous two months. The test is
reportedly successful for the most part except for a failure to down
one Scud-D missile in August.
--"Egyptian Columnist on US-Israeli Arrow Antiballistic Missile System,
Test Success," Al-Ahram, 2 September 2004, in FBIS Document
GMP20040906000003.
27 September 2004
Israel's director of Israel Aircraft Industries' Arrow project Boaz
Levi claims that Israel has been safe from ballistic missile attack
since the Arrow missile system was received by the Israel Defense
Forces four years earlier. He also states that recent test failures of
the Arrow system were due to specific and momentary malfunction of an
intercepting component.
--"Israel Safe from Ballistic Missiles, Says Arrow Project Director,"
BBC Worldwide Monitoring, 27 September 2004.
October 2004
Israel plans to develop anti-Qassam missiles in order to contain the
attacks at Sederot. The new missiles will be different from the Arrow
and other types of missiles. The Qassams are relatively small and
difficult to intercept, making it necessary for a different kind of
missile needed for defense.
--"Israel Plans To Develop 'Anti-Qassam Missile' To Thwart Attacks on
Sederot," Ma'ariv, 4 October 2005, in FBIS Document GMP20041004000154.
6 October 2004
Former Iranian president Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani says that Iran has
developed a missile capable of reaching Israel. The announcement
follows Israel's admission that it purchased 500 'bunker-buster'
bombs from the United States, regarded by some Iranians as a threat to
Iran's nuclear facilities. The new missile was paraded in Tehran the
week before with a banner reading: "Israel must be wiped off the map."
--"New Iranian Missile 'Can Reach Israel'," The Daily Telegraph
(London), 6 October 2004.
December 2004
In response to the Qassam rockets fired by Palestinian militants in
recent months, Israel and the United States begin developing the
Nautilus system. The Nautilus system fires laser beams in order to
destroy Katyushas, rockets, and Qassams as well as mortar shells in the
air.
--"Israel: Anti-Katyusha Laser Radar to Be Tested on Qassam Rockets,"
BBC, 21 December 2004.
December 2004
The United States demands that Israel confiscate the Harpy unmanned
aerial vehicles (UAVs) from China that were sold in the 1990s and are
now being returned to Israel for upgrading. The United States wants to
see that the UAVs are only repaired and not upgraded. American demands
stem from fears that these drones may threaten U.S. troops in Taiwan.
--"Israel's China-US weapons dilemma," United Press International, 29
December 2004
December 2004
Israel and Indian defense ties are strengthened with such proposals as
marketing for Hindustan Aeronautics-made MiG-21UM trainer jets, Heron
UAVs, and Barak-II ship defense missiles. Other proposals include the
upgrade of the Tu-142 maritime patrol planes in a tripartite agreement
with Russia, the Lahat anti-tank missiles Crystal Maze laser-guided
bombs, and the Pop-Eye beyond visual-range missiles.
--"JWG Meets, Israel to Try Out F16s Against SU-30s," Indian Express,
25 December 2004.
December 2004
Israel develops a version of the Spike extended-range anti-tank missile
called the Spike PBF. This new missile contains penetration, blast, and
fragmentation capabilities.
--"Israel Develops New, Longer-Range Version of Spike Airborne
Anti-Tank Missile," Middle East Newsline, 10 December 2004, in FBIS
Document GMP20041213000169.
December 2004
Israel hopes to get two new Dolphin-class submarines from Germany in
the next year. Israel also hopes that Germany will finance the two subs
in order to celebrate the 40[th] anniversary of the establishment of
diplomatic ties between the two countries. These submarines are missile
capable.
--"Israel hopes to secure submarine deal with Germany," Deutsche
Presse-Agentur, 12 December 2004.
7 December 2004
Israel deploys Patriot missile-defense systems in response to possible
fears of UAV attacks by Hezbollah.
--"Israel Deploys Patriot Battery Against UAV," Global Security
Newswire, 7 December 2004.
1 March 2005
Israel's Rafael Armament Development Authority is upgrading the
Indian Navy's Sea Harrier FRS MK 51 with Derby air-to-air
beyond-visual-range (BVR) missiles [Note: the Derby is a solid fuel
anti-cruise missile similar to Israel's Python 4]. The contract
includes 20 Derby BVR missiles and six practice rounds for $25 million.
This sale is part of a larger attempt by Rafael to sell both the Derby
and Python 5 missiles to the Indian military.
--"Upgrade of Indian Navy Sea Harriers: BVR Capability," New Delhi Vayu
Aerospace Review, 1 March 2005, in FBIS Document SAP20050624000051;
"Python/Moab" Missile Systems of the World (Lexington, Massachusetts:
AMI International, 1999), p. 52.
8 March 2005
Israel successfully fires the Laura missile in the Mediterranean Sea,
which can carry a 570-kilo warhead at a target in mid-sea. The testing
was put off for two days because of U.S. jets collecting intelligence
in the area.
--"US Plane Presence on Israel Missile Test Believed 'Industrial
Espionage,'" Voice of Israel, 8 March 2005, in FBIS Document
GMP20050309000199.
9 March 2005
Israel and the United States agree to simulate a missile attack on
Israel and deny this is in preparation for an attack on Iran's nuclear
reactor. The exercise will incorporate Patriot, Arrow, and Hawk missile
batteries and will be similar to the exercise that the United States
and Israel carried out before the attack on Iraq in 2003. The exercise
will simulate an attack by Iranian Shehab missiles for Israeli defense
purposes.
--"Israeli army denies simulation exercise preparation for attack on
Iran," BBC, 9 March 2005.
21 March 2005
Israel and the United States combine efforts in testing the
compatibility of the Arrow and Patriot missile units. As part of a
regular series of tests code-named Juniper Cobra, the tests are
intended to demonstrate the Arrow's ground-based radar to work with the
Patriot system elements to define incoming targets and determine a
total plan of attack. Defense sources claim that with bilateral efforts
such as these, the system will be more compatible with U.S.
anti-missile programs and would facilitate Israeli plans to deploy a
centralized national command-and-control center by 2007.
--"Israel, U.S. Test Compatibility of Arrow, Patriot Units," Defense
News, 21 March 2005.
31 March 2005
Israeli Minister of Defense Shaul Mofaz meets U.S. Secretary of Defense
Donald Rumsfeld in order to resolve a dispute over Israel's military
relations with China. Israel's Harpy Unmanned Arial Vehicles (UAV) deal
with China is viewed negatively by the United States because of the
possibility that it might be used against its ally, Taiwan. The deal
with China, signed in 1999, was for upgrades to UAVs that were sold to
China earlier in the 1990s.
--"Mofaz Hints Israel Might Abandon Harpy UAV Deal With China Under US
Pressure," Rhison Leziyyon Globes, 31 March 2005 in FBIS Document
GMP2005331000198.
June 2005
Israel Aircraft Industries Ltd. is to receive its first shipment of
Arrow missile interceptors made in conjunction with Boeing. The joint
venture has produced various components such as missile canisters and
electronics for use in the missiles. The Israel Missile Defense
Organization expects the monthly shipment rate of missile interceptors
to double by year's end, eventually reaching a goal of five
interceptors each month.
--Tony Capaccio, "Israel to Receive First IAI-Boeing Arrow Missiles
this Month," Bloomberg, 14 June 2005.
9 June 2005
One of Russia's Inter-state Financial Groups (MFPG), "Defense Systems,"
a supporter of the Russian defense industry, has been delivering the
Pechora-2M, a surface-to-air anti-cruise missile, to Egypt since 2003.
-- "Russia: Profile of 'Oboronitelnyye Sistemy' Company," Krasnaya
zvezda, 9 June 2005, in FBIS Document CEP20050608949008; "S-125 SA3
GOA," <http://www.GlobalSecurity.org>.
9 June 2005
Israeli sources say the Arrow missile, jointly produced by the United
States and Israel, will be tested this spring. The U.S. portion of the
project is complete and the parts will soon be shipped to Israel where
they will be combined for final assembly.
--Ran Dagoni, "Israel-US Produced Arrow Missile to be Tested Next
Spring," Globes Publisher Itonut, 9 June 2005.
19 June 2005
Israel halts an arms deal with China in which it was to upgrade Harpy
anti-radar UAVs originally purchased by China in 1994. The agreement
has been disrupted by U.S. complaints that the new components "amounted
to a significant upgrade that would... [ignore] a 2003 U.S. request to
halt all military sales to China." Israel has also agreed to confiscate
the UAV components that are already on Israeli soil. As a result of the
tensions between the United States and Israel that this deal is
creating, the Israeli Defense Ministry is sending a delegation for arms
talks to Washington.
-- Edward Cody, "China Scolds U.S. for Blocking Israeli Arms Sale,"
Washington Post, 28 June 2005; Gavin Rabinowitz, "Report: Israel to
Confiscate Parts for Chinese Weapons Under U.S. Pressure," Associated
Press, 26 June 2005.
27-28 June 2005
Arms discussions between Israel and the United States regarding sales
of Israeli military technology to China, including the Harpy UAV, do
not end in an agreement. There is to be a second round of talks in
July. Washington objects to the sale of any military technology to
China. U.S. Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice states that Israel must
"be sensitive to U.S. concerns" and interests in the region.
-- Barry Schweid, "Israel, U.S. Make Progress, but No Deal," Associated
Press, 28 June 2005.
22 June 2005
Israeli officials ask the U.S. Congress for a preliminary $16 million
in aid to produce a defense system to counter short-range ballistic
missiles whose ranges are between 40-200 km. The director of the Israel
Ballistic Missile Defense Organization, Arieh Herzog, claims that these
short-range ballistic missiles are proliferating in Lebanon and Syria,
posing a threat to cities in northern Israel. Sources in the Israeli
weapons industry say that with the Patriot and Arrow weapons systems,
Israel is prepared for long-range ballistic missiles yet not those with
short-ranges. Rafael Armament Development Authority and Israel
Aircraft Industries are competing to develop the system. Rafael
recommends a "hit-to-kill missile with a sensor," while IAI proposes a
"'sensor-less approach' with a proximity-kill solution."
--Robin Hughes, "Paris Air Show: Israel Seeks US Support to Counter
Ballistic Threat," Jane's Defence Weekly, 22 June 2005.
12 July 2005
Israel Aircraft Industries and Israel Military Industries complete a
successful test of a new satellite launcher at Palmahim. The launcher
is intended to put larger and heavier satellites into orbit than the
current Shavit launcher is capable of. This provides Israel with the
ability to launch larger surface-to-surface missiles with longer
ranges.
--"Israel Successfully Tests New Satellite Launcher on 12 July,"
Yedi'ot Aharonot, 13 July 2005, in FBIS Document GMP20050713616002.
17 July 2005
A visit to the United States by Israel's Defense Minister, Shaul
Mofaz, is postponed due to increasing violence in the Gaza Strip.
Mofaz was set to negotiate a memorandum of understanding between the
United States and Israel regarding future Israeli arms sales to China.
The negotiations surround Israel's intended upgrade of Harpy
anti-radar UAVs for China.
--Danielle Haas, "Israeli Defense Minister Postpones U.S. Trip Amid
Regional Violence: Officials," Associated Press, 17 July 2005.
16 August 2005
A joint statement by Israel and the U.S. says that the Israeli Defense
Ministry and the U.S. Pentagon have resolved their dispute over an
Israeli/Chinese arms contract for upgrades on Harpy UAVs. The
statement announces that "further measures will be taken . . . to
reestablish confidence" between the two countries.
--"Israel, US Resolve Row Over China Arms Deal," Agence France-Presse,
16 August 2005.
16 August 2005
As part of the resolution to the conflict between Israel's Ministry
of Defense and the U.S. Pentagon over arms sales, the United States
will renew military technology transfers to Israel. Bryan Whitman, a
Pentagon spokesman, says that the technology transfers will not be
reinstated fully until Israel fulfills its responsibilities under the
agreement. The agreed upon memorandum of understanding includes
requirements that Israel accept the 1996 Wassenaar Arrangement on
Export Controls for Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and
Technologies and create an "intergovernment arms-export control
system."
--Bill Gertz, "U.S. to Restart Arms Technology Transfers to Israel,"
Washington Times, 17 August 2005.
7 September 2005
Israeli government approves the sale of state-owned Israel Military
Industries (IMI). As per the terms of the sale, both IMI missile
facilities, Givon Advanced Systems and Maltam Rocket Systems, will be
sold to Rafael Armament Development Authority.
--Alon Ben-David, "Israeli Government Decides Fate of IMI," Jane's
Defense Weekly, 7 September 2005.
7 September 2005
As part of a resolution following a dispute with the U.S. over arms
sales to China, Israel sets up an inter-ministerial steering committee
to meet arms control commitments to the U.S. The task of the steering
committee is to propose a law for regulating defense exports that
includes supervision of exports of dual-use products and technologies
by March 2006. According to Ehud Olmert, the acting Minister of Finance
and Minister of Industry, Trade and Labor Israel seeks to ground its
national interest in legislation in order to define a national policy
in this matter. At present the Ministry of Defense supervises military
exports and the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor supervises
exports of dual-use products and technologies.
--Hadas Manor, "Olmert: Israel will meet arms export commitments to
U.S.," Globes, 7 September 2005.
12 October 2005
IDF deploys a sophisticated new radar system near the Gaza Strip, which
it hopes will give early warning to Israeli residents of incoming
Katyusha missiles, Kassam rockets and possibly mortar rounds. The
system is the prototype for a state-of-the-art wider missile defense
system the Nautilus also known by the acronym THEL for Theatre High-
Energy Laser, which has been in joint development by Israel and the
United States for almost a decade and is ultimately intended to be able
to intercept such incoming fire with a high-energy laser beam.
--Arieh O'Sullivan, "IDF deploys new radar system near Gaza," Jerusalem
Post, 12 October 2005.
4 November 2005
India is set to purchase some 50 Heron MALE (Medium Altitude, Long
Endurance) UAV's from Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) in a deal worth
$220 million. They will reportedly be put to use for carrying out
reconnaissance missions on India's mountainous borders with China and
Pakistan.
--Iftikhar Gilani, "India to buy 50 drones from Israel," Daily Times, 4
November 2005.
9 November 2005
The Israel Air Force (IAF) received the first Arrow 2 anti-ballistic
missile interceptor produced jointly by Israel Aircraft Industries Ltd
and Boeing Integrated Defense Systems. Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI)
is the chief contractor for the Arrow, Boeing being the subcontractor.
Israel has two operational Arrow batteries, and reportedly needs 100
interceptors for each battery.
--Robin Hughes, "First Israeli-U.S. Arrow 2 Missile Delivered," Jane's
Defense Weekly, 9 November 2005.
17 November 2005
Following a series of failures with its indigenously developed Shavit
II satellite launch vehicle (SLV), Israel has decided to launch its
next reconnaissance satellite using an Indian Polar SLV. As per senior
Israeli defense sources, India has agreed to launch Israel Aircraft
Industries (IAI) subsidiary Elta's TecSAR synthetic aperture radar
imaging satellite from the Indian Space Research Organization's
(ISRO's) Satish Dhawan Space Centre in southern India. The TecSAR is
defined as a civilian purpose satellite.
--Alon Ben-David, "Israel to launch recon satellite from India," Jane's
Defense Weekly, 17 November 2005.
2 December 2005
The Israeli Air Force successfully tests the Arrow 2 anti-ballistic
missile system against a Black Sparrow test missile. The Black Sparrow
was designed to simulate the Iranian Shahab-3 missile.
--Arieh O'Sullivan, "IAF Successfully Tests Arrow Against Mock Shihab,"
Jerusalem Post, 4 December 2005.
2 December 2005
The Israeli Civil Aviation Administration (CAA) concludes testing of a
civilian aircraft defense system against ground-to-air missiles.
Israel's national airline "El Al" has already installed the system,
known as Flight Guard, on one of its aircraft. Plans are in place to
install the anti-missile protection system on an additional six
civilian aircrafts in the near future. The Flight Guard system is being
converted for use on civilian aircrafts in response to a 2002 attempt
by al-Qaeda to use missiles to shoot down an Israeli airliner taking
off from Mombassa, Kenya.
--"Israel's El Al to Install Defensive Systems on Aircraft," BBC, 4
December 2005.
4 December 2005
Germany approves the sale of two Dolphin-class submarines to Israel.
The two submarines, which will be added to a fleet of three
similar-class submarines, will have improved capabilities that will
allow them to remain submerged for weeks at a time. The Dolphin-class
submarine is also equipped with torpedo tubes reportedly capable of
launching cruise missiles carrying nuclear warheads, which would
strengthen Israel's second-strike capability. The new submarines will
likely be delivered sometime in the next decade.
--Efraim Inbar, "Deterring the Iranian Nuclear Threat," Jerusalem Post,
4 December 2005.
14 December 2005
Israel is scheduled to deliver a 100-km range air to surface missile,
the stand-off Crystal Maze, capable of carrying an 80 kg warhead to
India next month. The Crystal Maze is an all-weather bunker busting
missile that is launched from an aircraft to destroy targets from a
distance of 80-100 kilometers.
--"India All Set to Acquire Crystal Maze Missiles from Israel," Indian
Express, 14 December 2005.
3 February 2006
Israel and India agree to jointly develop and produce a long-range
version of the Barak air defense missile. [Note: the Barak/Adams
missile system is an anti-cruise missile system capable of ship or
mobile launch developed by Israeli Aircraft Industries]. The missile
will be produced by the Hyderabad-based defense Research and
Development Organization and the Israel Aircraft Industries. The Barak
missile can be launched from both submarines and war vessels, and has
been developed for use as a surface to surface missile with a range of
300 kilometers.
--Ranjit Kumar, "India and Israel to Produce Missiles Jointly," New
Dehli Navbharat Times, in FBIS Document SAP20060203006004, 3 February
2006; Raytheon, Missile Systems of the World, (Lexington,
Massachusetts: AMI International, 1999), p. 50.
1 March 2006
Israel supplies Burma with air-to-air missiles. Israel has also
supplied Burma with military software, advanced electronic devices and
intelligence training.
--"Burma: Report Names Countries Supplying Arms," Chiangmai Irrawady,
in FBIS Document SEP20060317035004, 1 March 2006.
2 March 2006
A high-ranking Israeli Defense Force official states that the Arrow 2
anti-ballistic missile system is capable of intercepting and destroying
Iranian missiles carrying nuclear warheads. The official went on to
explain that new developments in the Arrow system have made it possible
to detect missiles carrying a split warhead armed with decoys. He also
asserted that any "incoming missile would be destroyed at such a high
altitude that it would disperse and destroy its payload without causing
any casualties."
--Yaakov Katz, "Arrow Can Block 'Any Iranian Missile,'" Jerusalem Post,
2 March 2006.
17 March 2006
In order to improve its missile defense capabilities the Israeli Air
Force (IAF) is working to upgrade its MIM-104 Patriot low- to
high-altitude air-defense system to the Patriot Advanced Capability 3
(PAC-3) system. According to a senior defense source, "The PAC-3 will
complement our layered missile defense structure and will enable us to
close a gap in our ability to intercept incoming missiles in the lower
tier. It will also substantially increase our capabilities to intercept
incoming cruise missiles and aircraft." One of Israel's primary
motivations for upgrading to the PAC-3 system is the emerging cruise
missile threat in the region, especially with allegations that Iran
recently obtained the Russian designed Kh-55 (AS-15, 'Kent') cruise
missiles which have a range of up to 3,000km.
--Alon Ben-David, "Israel eyes Patriot PAC-3 to boost missile defense,"
Jane's Defense Weekly, 17 March 2006.
28 March 2006
Alliant Techsystems Inc., Boeing Co. and Israeli Aircraft Industries
Ltd. are joining forces to compete for a contract that would support
Israel's short-range ballistic missile defense program. The contract is
a part of the Ministry of Defense's Homa project, and is meant to find
a solution to the Kassam rockets being launched by Palestinian
militants. Their proposal plans to adapt Arrow anti-ballistic missile
technology to intercept short-range rockets.
--"Alliant joins IAI-Boeing in anti-Kassam tender; A Rafael-Raytheon
consortium is also bidding in the tender," Globes, 28 March 2006.
14 April 2006
Arrow anti-ballistic missile batteries in Israel are upgraded to enable
them to intercept Iran's long-range missiles. This upgrade has been
carried out in the event that Tehran should decide to attack Israel as
a response to a U.S. attack on Iran's nuclear facilities. Israel
estimates that Iran already has the capability of attacking Israel with
accurate long-range missiles.
--Arye Egozi, "Israel: Arrow Missiles Adjusted to Allow Ballistic
Missiles Interception," Yedi'ot Aharonot, in FBIS Document
GMP20060414614007, 14 April 2006.
24 April 2006
The Israeli Defense Forces increase the alert level of the Arrow 2, a
ballistic missile defense system. According to Major Elyakim of the
Palmahim Air Force base, the higher alert is indicative of "what is
happening around us," including protection against the possibility of
attack from Iran.
--Ya'aqov Katz, "IDF Raises Vigilance of Arrow System in Wake of
Developments in Iran," Jerusalem Post, 24 April 2006, in Open Source
Center Document GMP20060424621009; Martin Sieff, "BMD Watch: Israel
Raises Iran Alert Level," United Press International, 25 April 2006.
28 April 2006
While giving a tour of the Israeli Arrow ballistic missile defense
system, Major Elyakim, commanding officer of the Palmahim Air Force
base, says, "the Arrow does not protect all of Israel. The battery in
Palmahim covers the center of the country, and the one in Ein Shemer
near Hadera covers the northern region. Other areas - mainly in the
south - are partly covered." He discusses the future of the Arrow
deployment, stating that in the long run, Israel will "deploy batteries
throughout the country, to create a protective umbrella across its
skies."
--Yaakov Katz, "Ready...Aim...Intercept!" Jerusalem Post, 28 April
2006.
25 May 2006
Israel's Ministry of Defense Research and Development Directorate has
chosen Rafael Israeli Armament Development Authority and Raytheon to
create a short-range ballistic missile defense system. The two
companies propose to develop a "hit to kill approach" to destroy
missiles fired from a range of 40 to 250km.
--"Israel Selects Consortium for Missile Defense," Middle East
Newsline, 17 May 2006; "Israeli Def Ministry Selects RAFAEL, Raytheon
for Missile Interceptor Development," Israeli Ministry of Defense, 25
May 2006, in Open Source Center Document GMP20060530026001.
5 June 2006
An unofficial report states that the United States has rejected the
Israeli Navy's request for the sale of "sea-based missiles," including
several with the potential to be cruise missiles.
--"U.S. Refuses to Sell Missiles to Israel Navy," Middle East Newsline,
5 June 2006.
6 June 2006
The Israeli Air Force, in conjunction with the Israeli Ministry of
Defense and Israel Aircraft Industries, is developing the Arrow Mark
IV, an upgrade to the current ballistic missile defense system. It will
include enhanced missile interceptors as well as new radar. This
program is partially financed by the United States government.
--Martin Sieff, "BMD Watch: Israel Plans New Arrow Mark 4," United
Press International, 6 June 2006.
14 June 2006
Israel's newly announced short-range ballistic missile defense (SRBMD)
system, to be developed by the Rafael Israeli Armament Development
Authority and Raytheon, is to have the "Stunner" as its missile
interceptor. The Stunner will be based on Israel's Python [note: the
Python is a short-range air-to-air missile], and will be "capable of
intercepting threat missiles at high endo-atmospheric altitudes."
According to Adam Cherrill of Raytheon Advanced Missile Defence
Programs, "it is aerodynamically controlled, so the altitude limit is
governed by the availability of air." The SRBMD is to be designed with
the same systems currently in use by the Arrow 2 and Patriot missile
defenses. A feasibility study on the program is to be conducted,
followed by an 18 month "risk reduction" stage, before development can
begin. The system is expected to be operational by 2011.
--James O'Halloran, "Israeli Stunner Will Offset Missile Threat,"
Jane's Defence Weekly, 14 June 2006; Raytheon, "Python / Moab," Missile
Systems of the World, AMI International: 1999, p. 52.
.
- Prev by Date: Re: The Six Day War, 1967
- Next by Date: Re: The Six Day War, 1967
- Previous by thread: The Six Day War, 1967
- Next by thread: War AND Peace: Democratic-Republicans-(US) charge us for BOTH, with interest and upcoming PENALTIES.
- Index(es):
Relevant Pages
|
