Israel test nuke capable missile that could hit Iran

Telegraph:

Israel has carried out the successful test launch of a long-range, ballistic missile capable of carrying a nuclear warhead, in what was intended as a clear show of strength to Iran.

While Iranian military chiefs carry out regular test firings of their own missiles, events that are often shown on state television, in Israel things are done with less fuss.

The lack of public awareness caused a flap when the contrail from the test firing was seen in the skies over Jerusalem causing many Israelis to call the emergency services fearing attack by Palestinian militants.

It was launched from the top-secret Palmachim air base south of Tel Aviv, home to a number of highly sensitive Israeli weapon systems including the Arrow anti-missile defence battery.

Israeli officials declined to comment publicly about the launching, but unnamed officials quoted in the Israeli press expressed satisfaction at both the launch and its impact across the region.

"There was great joy after the results of the test became clear," one security source said. "Whoever is watching what is happening in Israel will understand what he has to understand."

Regional defence experts said Israel has begun a programme to extend the range of its existing Jericho-2 ground attack missiles.

The Jericho-3 is planned to have a range of 2,500 miles which brings all of Iran within range.

...

The Israeli test was regarded as a technological breakthrough for Israel Aerospace Industries, manufactures of the missile system, as it showed the missile could be fitted with a dual-stage engine.

...


It was probably intended to give the Iranians something else to think about beyond just defending against an air attack by Israeli planes. Not mentioned in the story is the Israeli sea based missile system aboard submarines in the area. There is really no need to keep that a secret since its purpose is as a deterrent effect, i.e. even if you hit Israel the sea based systems will retaliate and destroy you.

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