Syria develops new missile with Iran's aid

DAMASCUS, Syria, Feb. 8 (UPI) -- Syria says it has developed, with Iranian help, a surface-to-surface missile that could better target Israeli installations like airports and factories.

It is believed the missile is more accurate than other similar surface-to-surface weapons in the Syrian arsenal, Haaretz said.

This apparent Syria-Iran deal comes at a time when Israeli defense sources have expressed growing concern about Syria's rearmament program, with most arms reportedly supplied by Russia.

Among other weapons, Syria reportedly has recently acquired the self-propelled Pantsyr air defense missile system, capable of firing between eight and 12 missiles and seen as a possible threat to Israeli aircraft.

Damascus also is said to have modern anti-tank missiles that are reportedly able to stop the most advanced main battle tank of the IDF, the Merkava Mark IV.

Mossad chief Meir Dagen told the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, however, that there are no indications Damascus has any plans to initiate military action against Israel.