Israel hails ballistic missile defence system test successDecember 10, 2015 - 16:04 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Israel's defence ministry says it has successfully tested an advanced ballistic missile defence system, BBC News reports. An Arrow-3 missile hit a target above the Earth's atmosphere that simulated the trajectory of long-range missiles like the Iranian Shahab-3. Further tests are expected before the system, which is being developed together with the US, can be deployed. It is the latest layer in Israel's system of shields, designed to protect it from external threats. The Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, which fought a war with Israel in 2006, is reported to have more than 100,000 missiles and rockets which can reach anywhere in Israel. Iran, which calls for Israel's eradication, also has missiles which can reach Israel and beyond. The Israeli defence ministry hailed Thursday, December 10's test as a "major milestone". A similar test a year ago failed because the system was not able to lock on to the target. Israel's missile shield also includes the already-deployed "Iron Dome" system that targets short-range rockets fired by Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip, and the mid-range "David's Sling" that is close to being operational and will target missiles supplied to Hezbollah by Iran. Related links: Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Police try to impede Armenian Church head’s access to war memorial Police tried to stop the supreme head of the Armenian Apostolic Church, Catholicos Karekin II, from visiting a war memorial. Greece says ready to help as Armenia fights flooding consequences Greece is ready to assist Armenia in combatting the consequences of deadly floods in the country’s north. “He will leave”: Protest leader no longer demands meeting with Pashinyan Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan no longer demands a meeting with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. Lemkin Institute petition seeks release of Armenians in Azerbaijan The Lemkin Institute is deeply concerned about the continued illegal detention of political prisoners from Karabakh in Azerbaijan. |