Non-Subscriber Extract
US boosts funding of Stunner, Arrow missile defence
- Article Tools
| 05 October 2006 |
By Alon Ben-David JDW Correspondent
Tel Aviv
As part of the US Department of Defense 2007 budget, Congress approved USD25 million for a feasibility study of the short-range ballistic missile defence (SRBMD) initiative conducted by Raytheon of the US and Israel's Rafael Armament Development Authority.
The two companies are developing a new terminal missile defence interceptor, dubbed Stunner (known in Israel as 'Kela David'), which is designed to intercept missiles and rockets ranging from 40-200 km.
The interceptor will be based on next-generation Rafael Python dual-wave imaging infra-red air-to-air missile technology and advanced low-cost Raytheon tactical missile technology, combined with a radar being developed by Israel Aircraft Industries' Elta Systems.
Yet, as initial operational capability of the Stunner is expected no earlier than 2011, Israel's Ministry of Defence is currently evaluating other solutions based on radar-controlled high-rate guns such as Oerlikon Contraves' Skyshield ground-based air-defence gun system, Metal Storm's close-in defence concept and Raytheon's Phalanx close-in weapon system.
150 of 434 words
© 2006 Jane's Information Group
[End of non-subscriber extract]
Customers with a paid subscription to Jane’s Defence Weekly can access the full article here
If you would like to subscribe, please see our products section for more information and pricing on Defence Weekly