Authorizes Development Of Anti-Missile Systems

Israel is in a unique situation with its aviation industry. Iran is one of several neighboring countries in the middle east with a publicly-expressed, official government policy calling for the eradication of Israel.

Israeli media recently quoted intelligence sources as saying terrorist groups are preparing to target Israeli civilian airliners. So... the nation is taking the unique step of equipping its airliners with missle defense systems developed for the military.

The Jerusalem Post reports Israel's security cabinet has authorized the development of a system to protect Israeli civilian planes from terrorist missles. Work on the system, which is to be developed domestically, will start next year.

In the meantime, the cabinet has authorized the use of existing Israeli Air Force technology on civilian planes as an interim measure.

There will be much debate to come on how best to protect civilian planes from missles. The Post cites at least four systems under consideration for further development. Two would be appropriate for defense against short-range missles.

One, Iron Dome, which is in early development by Israel's Rafael Armament Development Authority, faces uncertain funding. The other, Skyguard, is a laser-based system developed and sold by Northrup Grumman under the name Nautilus.

The Post quotes one senior defense official describing further work on lasers to be a waste of time.

FMI: www.elta-iai.com/