Tel Aviv: Iran has unveiled a new long range ballistic missile. This missile is a direct threat on Israel and will require “different steps” to be taken by Jerusalem. Officially Israel has not commented on the development in the Iranian ballistic missile program, but according to sources “step are being made to counter this threat”.
While the Iranian nuclear program attracts the attention of the west, Tehran is developing new ballistic missiles that threaten Israel and other counties. According to Iran’s IRNA news agency, Iran displayed the fourth generation of its Khorramshahr ballistic missile on Thursday, May 25 under the name Khaibar. According to the official statement, it has a range of 2,000 km (1,243 miles) and a warhead that weighs 1,500 kg (3,300 lbs).
Despite objections from the United States and concerns from European nations, Iran has increased the scope of its missile program, particularly its ballistic missiles. Tehran claims that the program is only defensive and intended to deter.
Israel is adapting its multi layered missile defence system and is adding another layer: Arrow-4. The Arrow-4 will have winglets because it is designed to intercept inside the atmosphere. There was no official explanation or that capability
An experts that talked on condition of anonymity said, “Israel needs to plan its missiles defence capabilities for many years to come. At this point there is no hypersonic missile threat on Israel but when you design such an advanced interceptor, this capability should be included as some countries develop such missiles and in the middle east you must expect the unexpected.”
According to the Israeli MoD, the Arrow-4 will be an advanced, innovative interceptor missile with enhanced capabilities. It will address a wide range of evolving threats in the region and will replace the Arrow-2 interceptors over the next decades.
According to MDA director Vice Adm John Hill, the “Arrow-4 is a cooperative program between the MDA and IMDO. “It illustrates US commitment to assisting the government of Israel in upgrading its national missile defence capability to defend the State of Israel from emerging threats.”
The Arrow Weapon System is a major element of Israel’s multi-layered missile defence array. It includes advanced radar systems, developed and produced by IAI subsidiary, ELTA. It also includes a BMC system developed by Elbit Systems, and a Launch Array including interceptors produced by MLM (a subsidiary of IAI). Defence industries Rafael and Tomer are also involved in the development and production of the Arrow interceptor.
Arrow-2 is operational since the year 2000, providing endo-exoatmospheric defence. Arrow-3, an exoatmospheric missile defence system, was delivered for operational use in 2017. It serves as the upper layer of Israel’s multi-tier missile defence array.
Over the past few years, both of the interceptors were upgraded, and demonstrated excellent capabilities during successful tests held in Israel and in Alaska, US. While, Iran has developed a range of long range ballistic missiles. Some are based on liquid fuel while others are powered by solid fuel.
-The writer is an Israel-based freelance journalist. The views expressed are of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of Raksha Anirveda
