Sources inform ''Globes'' that Israel would this week ask the US to help finance its new MOAB (Missile Optimized Anti-Ballistic System). The system uses Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) that would attack ballistic missiles close to their launch site
A senior defense establishment source said, "Israel expects a positive answer on the matter, because that would indicate ongoing and increasing strategic support by the Administration in Washington for Israel, after Israel was excluded from the anti-terror coalition."
Ministry of Defense director general Amos Yaron and Ministry of Defense head of foreign relations Yekutiel (Kuti) Mor left yesterday to visit the US Department of Defense. They will examine the possibility of bringing in a US partner for the MOAB project. Parts of MOAB are already under construction in Israel by Rafael (Armament Development Authority) and Israel Aircraft Industries.
MOAB intercepts ballistic missiles using UAVs and air-to-air missiles. The project was initiated by Rafael, which develops the missiles. It was revealed after Rafael applied for US patents for the system. Israel will develop a new type of UAV for the system, which is unique.
''Globes'' revealed MOAB in August 1995. Israel cannot develop the project on its own, just as it is unable to develop the Arrow anti-missile missile system alone. The US is providing half of the funding for the Arrow.
Senior defense establishment sources believe the US will make the participation of a US company a condition for funding MOAB. They said, "The UAVs are our priority. We definitely expect US pressure (for the participation of a US company, D.M.). At this stage, it's difficult to estimate the size of the financial investment in the project, but we have the impression that in principle, the Americans are in favor of participating in it."
Published by Israel's Business Arena on 18 October 2001