Israel, US Hold Missile Defense Test

JERUSALEM (AP) -- Israel says it successfully tested an advanced missile defense system developed with the U.S.

The Defense Ministry said it "conducted a successful first engagement of a ballistic missile target with the Arrow-3 interceptor." It called Thursday's test, which was carried out with the U.S. Missile Agency, a "major milestone" in the development of the system.

Arrow 3 is part of the multi-layered system Israel is developing to protect itself against a range of threats — from short-range rockets fired from the Gaza Strip and Lebanon to Iran's long-range missiles.

Arrow 3 is designed to strike targets outside the atmosphere, intercepting missiles closer to their launch sites. It is being developed by Israel Aerospace Industries together with U.S. aviation giant Boeing Co.

(KA)