Israel seeking U.S. aid on missile update

JERUSALEM, Aug. 7 (UPI) -- The head of the U.S. Missile Defense Agency is expected to urge aid for Israel in financing an update of the Arrow-3 anti-ballistic missile, officials say.

Endorsement by U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Henry Obering, the agency director, was considered necessary for U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates to get needed congressional funding, as promised to Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak last week, Ynetnews.com reported Thursday.

Officials say the Arrow-3 system, an advanced model of an Arrow interception missile, would help Israel intercept ballistic missiles in a much wider range than the current model. Israel considers the new model to be crucial in light of Iran's nuclear development.

The program's cost is estimated at some $700 million-$800 million over three years. The United States gives Israel some $140 million annually to help fund the Arrow, representing about 80 percent of the total cost, Ynetnews said.