Eyeing Iran, Israel seeks cruise missiles

ISRAEL: Israel has speeded up efforts to develop long-range cruise missiles of a type that could be used should the Jewish state try to strike at Iran's nuclear facilities, security sources said.

Israel sent warplanes to destroy Iraq's main atomic reactor at Osiraq in 1981 and has not ruled out similar action to prevent its arch-foe from getting the bomb should U.S.-led diplomatic pressure on Tehran fail.

The greater ranges to Iran's nuclear facilities might make cruise missiles more practical than planes, but the United States has rebuffed past Israeli requests to buy them.

Cruise missiles are programmed to seek out and hit distant targets, flying low to avoid radar. But only the United States and Russia are known to have mastered all aspects of production.

"A top priority has been put on developing this technology, in light of the Iran situation, as well as improving the Arrow," an Israeli security source said, referring to the anti-missile defence system designed by state-run Israel Aircraft Industries.

Jane's Defence Weekly said in 2004 that Israel Military Industries had fielded the country's first cruise missile, but its range was only around 300 km (190 miles).

There have also been media reports that government arms manufacturer Rafael created at least a prototype cruise missile by attaching a jet booster to its medium-range Popeye missile.

An Israeli security source said Iran had carried out a test on a long range missile on Tuesday, the first since January. The source said the exact range was not known but the test did not appear to represent any technological advancement.

Western nations have been watching developments in Iran's missile capabilities with concern. Iranian officials were not immediately available for comment on the reported test.

Israel might argue that Olmert's plan to give up parts of the occupied West Bank, with or without a peace deal with the Palestinians, would cost Israel strategic depth that would need to be balanced with better weapons. "It (Tomahawk) was requested in the past.

I believe it will be requested again, especially in light of the kind of threats Israel is facing in the future," the Olmert confidant said.

Tel Aviv, Wednesday Reuters