The fifth test firing of the Israeli-built Arrow anti-missile missile was carried out over the Mediterranean shortly after noon Sunday in what was described as a successful launch.
The planned test of the Arrow, or Hetz in Hebrew, had been postponed twice last, week, once because of a computer malfunction and again because of unsuitable weather.
Sunday’s launching took place in calm weather and clear skies, with another Arrow serving as a target, launched from the coast and headed out to sea.
The test Arrow, launched from a ship at sea, locked onto the simulated incoming missile and passed within a few yards of the target.
Design engineers stressed that the test was not necessarily intended to be a direct hit. The test Arrow was not equipped with a warhead, which under combat conditions would have detonated in the vicinity of the target and destroyed it.
Israel Aircraft Industries, the missile’s main contractor described Sunday’s launch as successful.
The United States has financed 80 percent of the development and construction costs of the Arrow as part of its so-called “Star Wars” defense program.
Israeli and U.S. engineers were already examining the launch data Sunday to ascertain how all the missile components were working.
The last test launch was carried out last September, but without a dummy target.
Previous tests have revealed problems involving navigation and remote control capabilities.
Experts warn that many years of work and further large sums of money are still required before the Arrow becomes fully operational and can provide Israel with defense against incoming Scud missiles and other weapons.
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