|
Israelâs first cruise missile
ISRAEL has developed its first surface-to-surface cruise missile with a range of at least 300 kilometres, according to a report to be published in Janeâs Defence Weekly next Wednesday. Called the Delilah-GL (ground launch), the missile could reach into the territory of all of Israelâs neighbours. It answers Israelâs 10-year quest for a such a missile, experts told the London-based publication. The Delilah-GL (ground launch) is an adaptation of the Delilah, its air-launched predecessor, Janeâs said, quoting officials at Israel Military Industries, where the missile is made.The missile powered by a turbojet engine has a range of 250 kilometres, IMI said, but defence officials told Janeâs that the missile could reach "well beyond 300 kilometres." The advanced missile includes a high explosive 30-kilogram warhead and is guided by a global positioning system. The missile can also hover over an area before confirming its target through real-time visual intelligence transmitted back to the operator, Janeâs reported. The missile can be fitted with various payloads. One is an infrared device with electro-optical seekers for target acquisition and guidance. It can identify a target from a range of 16 kilometres, Janeâs said. Israel developed the new technology after a decade of trying to obtain surface-to-surface cruise missiles. The United States has twice denied Israeli requests to purchase the Tomahawk land-attack cruise missile, Janeâs reported. In the 1980s, Israel deployed its own long-range surface-to-surface missile, called Jericho II. Foreign reports say it has a range of at least 1500 kilometres, can carry a payload of 1000 kilograms and is suitable for nuclear weapons. Posted by: tipper 2004-06-11 |
| http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=35224 |