Israel, U.S. Test Antimissile System

An Arrow missile (file photo)

Israel's Defense Ministry says it has successfully tested the upgraded Arrow antimissile system for the first time during a joint exercise with U.S. forces.

The system is supposed to defend Israel from a possible Iranian ballistic missile attack.

The ministry said the test was "a major milestone in the development of the Arrow 3 weapon system."

The Arrow is produced jointly by Israel Aerospace Industries and the U.S. company Boeing.

The new version of the Arrow missile is designed to intercept incoming missiles at much higher altitudes than previous versions.

Iran's Shahab ballistic missile can carry a nuclear warhead and has a range of some 2,000 kilometers, putting Israel well within range.

Israel sees Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile programs as a threat to its existence.

Based on reporting by AFP and AP