First operational ‘Arrow 3’ interceptor missiles delivered to IAF

Officials from the Israeli Defense Ministry and the US Missile Defense Agency delivered the first operational "Arrow 3" interceptor missiles to the Israeli Air Force on Wednesday. The Arrow 3 is intended to shoot down ballistic missiles while they are still in space. It also raises the chances of a successful interception by other missiles if the first interceptor does not hit the target. An additional advantage of the exo-atmospheric Arrow 3 is the reduction of the risk of being hit by pieces of a missile, or of being exposed to biological, chemical or radioactive materials. According to foreign media reports, the missiles are to be placed at an air force base in the area of the city of Beit Shemesh.