Special to WorldTribune.com

TEL AVIV — The Israeli government does not influence the schedule of
major ballistic missile defense trials, a report said.

The Institute for National Security Studies said the government has not
played a role in determining when BMD trials take place. In a report, the
institute cited the first test flight of the new Arrow-3 interceptor on Feb.
25, deemed a success.

“Immediately after news of the test was published, some commentators
attempted to find a political context for the test and its timing — a
message to Iran, a message to Arab countries, or even related to events in
Judea and Samaria,” the report, titled “Another Layer of Defense: The
Arrow-3 Test,” said. “The truth is simpler. The development of weapon
systems takes many years. The timing of tests is determined not by
politicians but by engineers, in accordance with the progress of the
development program.”

Researcher Yiftah Shapir, a specialist in BMD, said the timing of BMD
trials stemmed from technical considerations. He cited the level of system
development, the availability of test sites and support units.

“Only rarely does the political echelon intervene in determining the
timing of the test, and only when there is a serious concern that the
precise timing will have far reaching political consequences — for example,
if a foreign leader is visiting Israel,” the report said. “Generally, the
timing of the test has no political meaning.”

The report, dated Feb. 27, said Arrow-3, scheduled to become operational
around 2014, marked a technological achievement for Israel’s defense
industry as well as strategic cooperation with the United States. The report
said Arrow-3 was meant to intercept Iran’s latest ballistic missiles,
including the intermediate-range Shihab-3 and Sejil-2.

“When deployed, the Arrow-3 will send a dual message to the enemy,
conveying Israel’s determination to defend itself and relaying a message of
technological superiority,” the report said.

  Arrow-3 interceptor, Engineers, Institute for National Security Studies, not politicians, schedule Israel’s missile defense trials