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Friday, April 10, 2009

Israel in fast-track mode to complete 'Iron Dome' rocket defense system

TEL AVIV — Israel has set a 2010 deadline for the deployment of a short-range missile and rocket defense system.   

The state-owned Rafael Advanced Defense System has set a mid-2010 deadline for the completion of the Iron Dome system. Rafael said the system, meant to intercept missiles and rockets up to a range of 70 kilometers, would be tested over the next year.

In a statement on April 7, Rafael, prime contractor, said Iron Dome would be operational in the summer of 2010, Middle East Newsline reported. The company said a rocket interception test was planned for mid-2009.

In March 2009, Rafael conducted a live-fire test of Iron Dome. Both Rafael and the Defense Ministry termed the test successful, but did not say whether the system intercepted the target missile.

Also In This Edition

Officials said Rafael has advanced in the fast-track development program of Iron Dome. They said Rafael would complete and supply the first prototype to the Israel Air Force by 2010.

Rafael was also upgrading Iron Dome's radar tracking system, which could predict the landing of enemy missiles. Officials said the radar's range has been extended, but did not elaborate. The radar was developed by Israel Aerospace Industries.

Executives said the Defense Ministry was expected to order the deployment of the first Iron Dome prototype somewhere between the Israeli cities of Sderot and Ashkelon.

They said the ministry has not yet decided on how many systems would be procured.

Rafael has sought to lower the cost of the interceptor to below $50,000. Officials said the cost would be based on a Defense Ministry order of 1,000 interceptors.

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