In face of Iran's effort to obtain nuclear weapons, the Israel Air Force successfully conducted its 15th test of the Arrow missile defense system on Sunday night. Officials said the Arrow was capable of intercepting Iranian nuclear missiles. Defense officials explained that the test, the first conducted at night, was unique since it was held under extreme circumstances and was meant to "meet future threats to the State of Israel." The test was overseen by the Defense Ministry's Homa Missile Defense Agency and was conducted at the IAF Palmahim Base south of Ashdod. It was the first time that the missile interceptor used was made up of parts of which were also built by Boeing in the United States.
The last time the Arrow was tested was in December 2005, and defense officials said that Sunday night's test was not connected to the Iranian nuclear threat but was part of the periodic tests the missile defense system undergoes. The launcher used in the test was an upgraded version and was fitted with active protection that defends the system against enemy attacks. "The Arrow has once again proven its ability to defend Israel against current and future threats," explained a senior defense official involved in the test. According to the official, the Arrow underwent periodic upgrades and developments so it could successfully counter missiles under development in enemy countries.
The test took place at 9:18 PM when the Arrow 2 interceptor took off towards a Black Sparrow test missile, fired by an F-15 fighter jet, and designed to simulate an incoming Iranian Shihab missile headed toward Israel. The Green Pine Radar located and identified the incoming missile and the Citroen Tree battle management center related the information to the Arrow 2 battery.