Democrats will be known for Iraq surrender; Time now for homeland defense
ISRAEL ACCELERATES ROCKET DEFENSE DEVELOPMENT
TEL AVIV — Israel has approved accelerated development of its first
rocket defense system.
Officials said the Defense Ministry has approved a plan for rapid
development of the Iron Dome anti-rocket defense system. They said under the
plan the first tests of an Iron Dome prototype would take place in late
2008.
"We see this as feasible given proper funding and other arrangements,"
an official said.
[On Thursday, Palestinian gunners continued their missile fire in
southern Israeli communities. There were no reports of injuries.]
Also In This Edition
Iron Dome was designed to intercept the Kassam-class, short-range
missile as well as the Katyusha rocket. Officials said Iron Dome could also
protect against mortar shells fired from the Gaza Strip.
On May 26, Defense Ministry director-general Pinhas Buchris said Iron
Dome would begin a series of tests by July 2008. Buchris said the system,
produced by the state-owned Rafael Advanced Defense System, could be
operational in 2010.
Officials said Rafael has received permission from authorities to work
on the Jewish Sabbath in an effort to hasten development of Iron Dome. The
Defense Ministry, as part of a $300 million development project, has pledged
to provide a bonus for Rafael if it produces a working prototype ahead of
schedule.