Israel, US Successfully Test Hetz 3 Exoatmospheric Anti-Missile System

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Israel and the United States have conducted a successful test of the Hetz 3 ("Arrow-3") long-range missile system, capable of intercepting ballistic missiles in space, the Israeli Defense Ministry said Monday.

"Last night at 02.30 [00.30 GMT], the Israeli Defense Ministry together with the US Department of Defense conducted a successful test of the Hetz 3 anti-missile system designed to intercept ballistic missiles above the atmosphere," the ministry said.

The Hetz 3 has successfully fulfilled its task, the ministry noted. The launch was held in the central part of Israel under the leadership of Israel Aerospace Industries and Israeli Air Force.

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The Hetz 3 is a system that intercepts ballistic missiles during the space-flight portion of their trajectory, including intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) carrying nuclear, chemical, biological or conventional warheads. The reported flight range of the Hetz 3 missile is up to 1,500 miles and may be used as an anti-satellite weapon.