TEL AVIV, Israel, Feb. 12 (UPI) -- Israel has proved an ability to intercept an incoming missile simulating an advanced version of the Iranian Shehab ballistic missiles.
An F-15 fighter plane fired the 'Shehab simulator' far from Israel's shores. Soldiers "operating in a complete operational format" detected it and launched the Arrow.
The Israeli announcement Monday gave no details on how high or at what distance the Arrow intercepted the Shehab. However, a military source said the system coped with "more distant and higher things" than in the past and scored a "bull's eye."
The Defense Ministry said the target missile simulated "a yet non-existent ballistic missile operating under extreme conditions," suggesting an attempt to keep ahead of the Iranians who already have Shehab 3 missiles and who are now developing a more advanced version called the Shehab 3ER.
According to a study published by the Institute for National Security Studies in Tel Aviv, a Shehab 3ER fired from central Iran could reach Ankara, Alexandria and Yemen.
But Sunday night's test does not mean Israel would be safe and secure if Iran develops a nuclear bomb. "Everything is being done to have a denser and effective defensive system (but) no professional person would guarantee a hermetic defense," the military officer said.
The United States has been helping Israel develop the Arrow and the latest test was the tenth time that the complete system was tested.
In war time, the enemy might fire a barrage of missiles and so far there have been no actual tests of coping with such an attack. However, the military source, who spoke to reporters on condition he not be named, said the soldiers do prepare for such attacks in simulated exercises.
