In the presence of Yitzhak Mordechai, Minister of Defense, and within the framework of a ceremony this afternoon, the first of a series of Arrow missiles was delivered by the MLM Division of Israel Aircraft Industries to the Administration of the "Homa" (Wall) Project in the Ministry of Defense. This transaction initiated the supply of Arrow missiles to the Ministry of Defense. Additional missiles will be delivered in the near future.
The Arrow missile delivered today has full operational capability, as well as the necessary devices for testing. This missile, and several additional missiles to be produced, will be used for firing tests, but may also be used as operational missiles if necessary. Following production of the first series of this type of missile, the production line will be converted for production of fully operational missiles.
Itzhak Mordechai, Minister of Defense, delivered a speech during the ceremony and said, "Many advanced nations in the world are looking upon the Arrow project with admiration and appreciation, for the unique technological achievement that was first accomplished here."
Minister Mordechai also said, "The delivery of the first Arrow missile of the series, specifically on the 29th of November (the anniversary of the UN vote in 1947 to create the State of Israel), is the best gift the Defense Industry could give to the State of Israel. It will enable us to withstand the most dangerous threat developing in the region, which could be a potential threat to Israel's existence. With the help of the Arrow system, we will establish a nearly comprehensive wall of defense against current and future threats."
The Minister of Defense said, "A great deal of thought, daring, vision and resources were invested in this project, and have proven themselves."
The Minister expressed his appreciation to his predecessors, Ministers of Defense the late Yitzhak Rabin, Moshe Arens, and Shimon Peres for their support throughout the years in promoting this project. He thanked the United States Secretary of Defense, his predecessors, and the American Government for their participation and assistance in the establishment of the project. "Every citizen of the State of Israel is full of pride today following this achievement and thanks the workers who made it possible," said Mordechai.
The missile was received by Uzi Rubin, Head of the "Homa" (Wall) Administration in the Ministry of Defense, in the presence of General (Res.) David Ivri, Executive Assistant to the Minister of Defense; Ilan Biran, Director General of the Ministry of Defense; Eitan Ben-Eliahu, Commander of the Israeli Air Force; General Isaac Ben-Israel, Director of Defense Research and Development for the Ministry of Defense; General (Res.) Avigdor "Yanuch" Ben-Gal, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Israel Aircraft Industries; Moshe Keret, President and C.E.O. of Israel Aircraft Industries, and senior officials from the Ministry of Defense.
The Minister of Defense congratulated the employees of Israel Aircraft Industries and the employees of the other factories who participate in the production of the Arrow.
The Arrow missile is manufactured by the MLM Division of Israel Aircraft Industries, and includes components from the top defense industries in Israel, including Israel Military Industries, Rafael, TAMAM, SHL, Ramta, ELTA, and others. In addition, the missile includes components produced by Lockheed Martin and Ratheon-Amber in the United States.
The Arrow system is today the most sophisticated anti-ballistic missile system in the world.
Moshe Keret, President of and C.E.O. IAI, expressed his personal appreciation for the efforts made by the Minister of Defense, who insisted on being present at the ceremony. He regards this gesture as recognition of all of the people who have been part of this process. "A half hour before this ceremony, a paper was signed, marking the transfer of the first operational Arrow missile. This is a special day, the 29th of November, and an unusual moment in the history of Israel. Fifty-one years have passed since [the UN vote to create a state in Israel], and here, the State has a weapons system which is at the cutting-edge of technology in the world."
Mr. Keret added, "The Arrow system is unique in that it is not just a military system. It was designed to defend the State of Israel and its citizens, in addition to being a weapon system. We have given you a wall of defense."