Israel's secret test on its Arrow air-defense system shows it's taking Iran seriously - analysis

Israel conducted a secret test of its Arrow air-defense system last week, without public announcement, during wartime and amid a Middle Eastern missile arms race with Iran. The article argues the secrecy reflects the defense establishment's serious view of Iran's capabilities, contrasting with politicians' boasts of total victory. Arrow, developed by IAI since the 1980s, has intercepted hundreds of missiles from Iran and Yemen over the past two years, and was sold to Germany for $6.5 billion.

Israel's defense establishment conducted a secret test of its Arrow air-defense system last week, without the usual public announcement. Under normal circumstances, Arrow tests are a national event, visible to tens of thousands of residents in central Israel when launched from the IAF's test unit at Palmachim, followed by breaking news alerts and interviews with officials. This time, there was silence. The article, by Udi Etzion, argues the secrecy reflects how the defense establishment views Iran: unlike politicians who boast of total victory, the professionals do not underestimate the Iranians. Arrow is a veteran system developed by Israel Aerospace Industries since the 1980s, in service for over 25 years, and has intercepted hundreds of missiles from Iran and Yemen over the past two years. It was sold to Germany in two deals worth $6.5 billion, with components sold to India and South Korea. The article notes Iran has a population 10 times larger than Israel's, is rich in oil, and has developed a weapons and terror industry unmatched in the Middle East. It concludes that Arrow cannot win alone, and the conduct around the test tells the public the truth the political echelon is trying to hide.