El Al jets to be fitted with anti-missile protection
New system will defend passenger jets from shoulder-held missile attacks
The defense system for civilian planes past its final test Thursday, and the first El Al planes are expected to be installed with the system aimed at protecting planes from shoulder-held missile attacks, as early as next week, Transportation Minister Meir Sheetrit said.
Ministry spokesman Avner Ovadia told Ynet, “The final test for the defense system, which was held under real conditions, proved successful. The tests have been conducted for the past year-and-half.”
“The system is similar to that which is installed in combat planes, but it was made suitable for civilian aircrafts” Ovadia explained. “The system diverts the missiles after their launch,” added Ovadia.
The cost of developing the system is estimated at some NIS 21 million (USD 4.5 million); the project was funded by the Transportation Ministry, but the Defense Ministry and Shin Bet were also involved in the system’s development.
System activated by missile launch
At the same time, an eclectro-optical defense system has been developed, which is based on laser rays. "It should complete the current system, and it is much more advanced," said Ovadia, who added that the system will only be functional in two years.
Work on the defense system began after two shoulder-launched missiles were fired at an Arkia jet which was taking off from Mombassa, Kenya, in the direction of Israel.
The attack happened almost at the same time as the attack on the Paradise hotel in Mombassa three years ago. No passengers on the plane were injured.
When the plane was reached an altitude of 1,000 meters shortly after takeoff, the pilots noticed flashes. The pilot initially considered landing in Nairobi, but then decided to continue on to Israel.
