Subscribe to Print Edition | Sun., March 23, 2008 Adar2 17, 5768 | | Israel Time: 22:09 (EST+7) web haaretz.com   Back to Homepage Rosner's Domain Diplomacy Defense Jewish World Opinion National Print Edition Advertising Books Arts & Leisure Business Real Estate Easy Start Travel Week's End Anglo File

Defense Minister Ehud Barak. (Archives) Last update - 08:49 23/03/2008 Defense Min. says unimpressed by anti-missile system By Yuval Azoulay, Haaretz Correspondent Tags: Qassam rockets  The defense establishment on Saturday said it was not impressed by the performance of the Nautilus anti-missile system, evaluated last week in New Mexico by Pinhas Buchris, director general at the Defense Ministry. Buchris traveled to inspect the system following claims by the manufacturer, Northrop-Grumman, that the development of the system has yielded an operational battery, Sky Guard, which can meet the threat posed by Qassam and Katyusha rockets. "We were told that it would take several months to prepare the system for an interception," a source in the Defense Ministry said. "The visit of the director general was scheduled three months ago. We were told that the system was improved in recent years, and we wanted to see it. We did not see a significant improvement in its abilities." Advertisement The defense establishment had evaluated the Nautilus, which uses lasers to destroy incoming rockets, as a potential defense against Qassam rockets, but in the end Defense Minister Ehud Barak selected Iron Dome, which is under development by Rafael. But in recent months there has been growing pressure by persons affiliated with Northrop-Grumman for a reevaluation of the interception system. "We wanted to reexamine the effectiveness of the system and we asked for a timetable for the production of a mobile version of Nautilus [Sky Guard] and we wanted cost estimates. We did not receive these," a defense source said. Colonel (res.) Yossi Arazi, who is connected with Northrop-Grumman, said that a demonstration of a rocket interception had not been planned. "This is a system that has not been in operation for four years, and months are necessary in order to prepare it for an interception," he said. Related articles: No ironclad guarantees Iron Dome system helpless against Qassams Barak rethinking 'Iron Dome' defense system in face of Gaza rockets Bookmark to del.icio.us   Declassifying AIPAC PM aide planning first Web site 'to connect all Jews around the world'. Jersualem pilgrimage Christian pilgrims flock to Holy City to mark Good Friday and retrace the route of Jesus.   1.   Nautilus Anti-missile just HOT AIR 03:52  |  The Archives 23/03/08   2.   Gen. Nehustan is Right: Only Control of the Land will Stop Qassam 04:23  |  Straight Talk 23/03/08   3.   Where is Linthwaite - Phalanx, phalanx, 04:53  |  Free Gilad Shalit 23/03/08   4.   1/3 TA/FGS - Why Wait? 06:22  |  Mark of Lewiston 23/03/08   5.   Give a warning before firing missiles. 08:16  |  Ethan 23/03/08   6.   # 3 to free gilad shalit, i don`t think they want it 09:58  |  eric 23/03/08   7.   There is no reliable anti-missile system - period! 10:55  |  Fairplay 23/03/08   8.   Junk 11:07  |  Clickfool 23/03/08   9.   # 8. Clickfool is right. Jules Verne Sci fi. 13:51  |  Stephen. 23/03/08   10.   Build it fast and well, and stop the money dance. 19:21  |  Fortuna Benmayor 23/03/08   11.   to #`s 8 & 9 clickfool & steven 21:47  |  eric 23/03/08

Today Online Hezbollah: We have proof Israel killed Mughniyah Responses: 115 Gideon Levy: Blind int'l friendship enables Israel to kill, settle Responses: 108 Editorial: Swiss gas deal with Iran a disgrace, like WWII neutrality Responses: 93 Barak to Cheney: Iran is a threat to the region, the world Responses: 72 Jerusalem official denies reported truce offer to Hamas, Jihad Responses: 68 Rosner's Domain New Guest, Daniel Kurtzer: since '93 U.S. didn't help peace process succeed Govt. to appeal ruling on classified material in AIPAC trial I've known my rabbi for more than 20 years... (WTR) There's no need for American pressure on Israel Poll: Mideast summit in Moscow, a good idea? More Headlines 21:40 Barak to Cheney: Iran is threat to region, world 21:05 IAF Official: All F16I pilots were exposed to carcinogenic substance 16:36 Jerusalem official denies reported truce offer to Hamas, Jihad 17:34 PM: Israel to send back refugees who infiltrate from Sinai 15:59 Shi'ite mourners hail Mughniyah as martyr at Beirut gravesite 19:00 Taibeh resident jailed for 9 years over role in foiled terror attack 21:08 PM aide planning Website 'to connect all Jews around the world' 15:25 Ethiopian activist: Integration failed, separate schools needed 15:36 Hamas, Fatah officials in Yemen agree to revive direct talks 21:08 Sarkozy's ex-wife due to wed Jewish multi-millionaire in N.Y. 15:45 Israeli singer Yael Naim embraces Apple, Britney Spears for success 20:23 Large fire blazes in pesticide shed in southern community Previous Editions Select Day 21 mar 20 mar 19 mar 18 mar 17 mar 16 mar 14 mar 13 mar 12 mar 11 mar 10 mar 09 mar

Special Offers Advertisement FAREWELL ISRAEL New Film The Coming War for Islamic Revival - View Movie Trailer Free the Palestinians from: Corrupt Kleptocracy, Tyrannical Theocracy, Abysmal Anarchy Long-term Israel programs MASA is your gateway. More programs. More grants. NEW! Dan Boutique Jerusalem Hotel Hip Dan Hotel in Jerusalem. Attractive Introductory Rates 7589 rockets fired so far HELP US TO HELP THEM FREE JEWISH HISTORY COURSE Berel Wein's best selling lectures. 5000 Years in Five hours /CD/MP3 Marina Royale Herzelia Pituach Your Luxurious Suite While Staying in Israel Fattal Hotel Chain Perfectly located hotels on best resorts of Israel. ISRAEL BONDS Build Israel Israel bonds - a multi-purpose way to celebrate Israel's 60th Eldan Rent a Car Israel's leading car rental company offers you a 20% discount on all online reservations Junkyard Junk a car - get free towing nationwide and a tax-deductible receipt

Home | TV | Print Edition | Diplomacy | Opinion | Arts & Leisure | Sports | Jewish World | Underground | Site rules |

Haaretz.com, the online edition of Haaretz Newspaper in Israel, offers real-time breaking news, opinions and analysis from Israel and the Middle East. Haaretz.com provides extensive and in-depth coverage of Israel, the Jewish World and the Middle East, including defense, diplomacy, the Arab-Israeli conflict, the peace process, Israeli politics, Jerusalem affairs, international relations, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, the Palestinian Authority, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, the Israeli business world and Jewish life in Israel and the Diaspora.

© Copyright  Haaretz. All rights reserved