ANKARA: Israel is urging the United States to support development and production of the Arrow 3 anti-tactical ballistic missile (ATBM) system. Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak made this request during a meeting with a U.S. congressional delegation.
The U.S. has long provided financial support to Israel’s development of missile defense systems. The U.S. and Israel have worked on the Arrow since the 1980s. Arrow contractors include Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Boeing.
Israel is concerned that the U.S. administration will cut the funding for the Arrow 3. U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates already announced a $1.4 billion cut in funding for the Pentagon’s missile defense program.
The Arrow 3 will be capable of intercepting longer-range rockets at higher altitudes and at greater distances.
