U.S., Israel conduct joint test of interceptor missile system

The joint testing by U.S. and Israel on an improved interceptor missile system designed to counter future missile threats went as planned, U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) spokesman Steven Warren said on Tuesday.

"The Israel Missile Defense Organization of the Directorate of Defense Research and Development, and the U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA), conducted an intercept test of the Arrow-2 interceptor missile today," Warren told reporters during a DOD press briefing.

"The Arrow-2 is an operational system currently providing the Arrow Weapon System with an interceptor engagement capability," he said.

Israel, the first allied nation to declare its intent to field a missile defense system as a national priority, has collaborated in the past with the MDA on similar testing of capabilities.

This test was conducted at an Israeli test range over the Mediterranean Sea, the spokesman said, explaining the testing process.

"An Arrow-2 missile was launched and performed its flight sequence as planned," Warren said. "The results are being analyzed by program engineers."

"The test results have no effect on the Israeli operational system capability to cope with the existing threats in the region, " he added.