Israel to place Arrow missile defense system on warships

12.08.2011 Discussing the long-term arms procurement program, Israeli armed forces consider the possibility to place missile defense system Arrow on board two new warships.

According to Jerusalem Post, in the nearest term Israel's general staff is to adopt a decision on procurement of two new ships to the total sum of over $500 mln.

Initially, Israeli Navy was about to buy LCS-class ship (Littoral Combat Ship) designed by Lockheed Martin from the US, but rejected this plan due to high cost. Currently, the possibility of building warships in Haifa at Israel Shipyard under license of German company Blohm und Voss is being considered. That shipyard is experienced in construction of Shaldag-type patrol ships.

Mounting of Arrow interceptors on warships would make missile defense mobile and deployable far away from land borders in case of war. This would increase viability and ensure reliable functioning of missile defense while damaged land assets.

Missile defense system Arrow is being developed under control and financing of Israel Missile Defense Organization and US Missile Defense Agency (MDA). Among other participants of the program are such companies as Israel Military Industries (IMI), Raphael, Tadiran, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems etc.

According to some sources in industry, placing of AD/MD system Arrow on board warships is technically feasible. One of the first tests of the system was carried out just from sea platform.