Israel fires its Arrow: Ballistic missile interceptor is successfully tested just days after claims Iran may have fired a nuclear-capable rocket 

  • Israel have successfully tested a new ballistic missile interceptor 
  • 'The Arrow' is used to shoot down missiles above the atmosphere 
  • Ronald Reagan launched the Arrow project in 1988 as part of his 'Star Wars' programme

By Tom Wyke for MailOnline and Afp

Published: 09:01 EST, 10 December 2015 | Updated: 14:19 EST, 10 December 2015

Israel has successfully tested an advanced ballistic missile interceptor as the Jewish state seeks to upgrade its defences in the face of regional threats.

The trial from an Israeli test range involved the Arrow 3 interceptor which is designed to shoot down missiles above the atmosphere.

A similar test a year ago failed, but today's successful trial could pave the way for the system to be introduced to Israel's defence arsenal if it passes further tests.

The Israel Defence Ministry released a photograph of one of the Arrow missiles being tested in Israel

The Israel Defence Ministry released a photograph of one of the Arrow missiles being tested in Israel

The Arrow project was first launched in 1988 as part of the then Star Wars programme under late US president Ronald Reagan that was abandoned in 1993

The Arrow project was first launched in 1988 as part of the then Star Wars programme under late US president Ronald Reagan that was abandoned in 1993

'This successful test is a major milestone in the development of the Arrow Weapon System and provides confidence in future Israeli capabilities to defeat the developing threats,' Israel's defence ministry said.

'Additional Arrow-3 interceptor tests are planned in the future to demonstrate capability prior to becoming operational.'

The Arrow project was first launched in 1988 as part of the then Star Wars programme under late US president Ronald Reagan that was abandoned in 1993.

Arrow 3, developed jointly between the United States and Israel, is intended to serve as Israel's uppermost missile interception system. Lower-altitude interception systems are either already deployed or close to being operational.

Israel strongly opposed a nuclear deal struck in July between Iran and major powers, arguing it would not block its regional rival's path to atomic weapons

Israel strongly opposed a nuclear deal struck in July between Iran and major powers, arguing it would not block its regional rival's path to atomic weapons

Soaring through the sky, the Arrow will be used to shoot down enemy missiles from the sky

Soaring through the sky, the Arrow will be used to shoot down enemy missiles from the sky

An "Arrow 3" ballistic missile interceptor is seen during its test launch near Ashdod, Israel

An 'Arrow 3' ballistic missile interceptor is seen during its test launch near Ashdod, Israel

Partly financed by the United States, the Arrow system was developed and produced by Israeli Aerospace Industries in partnership with Boeing

Partly financed by the United States, the Arrow system was developed and produced by Israeli Aerospace Industries in partnership with Boeing

The United States said earlier this month it was conducting a 'serious review' into reports that Iran carried out a new round of ballistic missile testing in violation of UN resolutions

The United States said earlier this month it was conducting a 'serious review' into reports that Iran carried out a new round of ballistic missile testing in violation of UN resolutions

The trial from an Israeli test range involved the Arrow 3 interceptor which is designed to shoot down missiles above the atmosphere 

The trial from an Israeli test range involved the Arrow 3 interceptor which is designed to shoot down missiles above the atmosphere 

Partly financed by the United States, the Arrow system was developed and produced by Israeli Aerospace Industries in partnership with Boeing.

Israel strongly opposed a nuclear deal struck in July between Iran and major powers, arguing it would not block its regional rival's path to atomic weapons.

It also argues that the lifting of sanctions under the deal will allow Iran to further back and arm proxy militants in the region.

The United States said earlier this month it was conducting a 'serious review' into reports that Iran carried out a new round of ballistic missile testing in violation of UN resolutions.