Efforts are being made to revive the idea of boost phase intercept as another layer Israel should use against the threat of long-range ballistic missiles.
Like in the defense against rockets, there are two groups – one that says that rocket interceptors are the answer and a second one that has been advocating the laser as a rocket killer.
When it seemed that the laser option has been buried forever, in recent months it has been put again on the table, with efforts to overcome the technical hurdles.
The same process happens now with relation to the boost phase intercept (BPI). In July 2018, American Lawmakers voted to require the Defense Department to begin developing a space-based ballistic missile defense interceptor layer regardless of whether a forthcoming review of missile defense policy recommends such an action and despite long-standing concerns about the financial costs and strategic risks of space-based defenses.
This move has encouraged the Israeli supports of BPI to try and revive the effort. In 1993 Israel began the planning of a concept that will use a long endurance UAS armed with modified air-air missiles, to hit ballistic missiles seconds after launch.
The Israeli Boost Intercept System was dubbed (IBIS), and the missile was called the Missile Optimized Anti-Ballistic (MOAB).
According to foreign sources, the UAS design was completed by IAI and was dubbed HA-10, and was designed to cruise at altitudes of up to 9.5 miles.
The same reports talked about equipping the UAS with an advanced IR sensor, to locate the heat generated by the ballistic missile’s engine in the first seconds after ignition.
The reports at that time also said that the UAS is planned to have a 24 hours endurance and a carrying capability of 2200 pounds.
After Israel abandoned the BPI concept , it began developing its Arrow ballistic missiles interceptors.
Recently, as happened with the proposed laser weapon against rockets, the idea is back in the air.
It is easy to understate the “sex appeal” of boost phase intercept. The heat of the launch is easy to detect and the missile’s payload can be positively destroyed and even inflict damage to the enemy.
In a document prepared by the arms control association in 2000, boost phase intercept is compared to the weather “everybody talks about it but nobody does anything about it”.
According to the advocates of BPI, it has many advantages over midcourse intercept. They say that while in midcourse the interceptor has to hit a small, relatively cool warhead that is traveling quickly, when using BPI, the target is large, hot and climbing slowly. It also they say solves the problem of dealing with multiple warheads.
As expected, people in Israel that have been involved in developing the current multi layered defense systems against ballistic missiles are against BPI.
Uzi Rubin, former head of the Israel missile defense directorate in the ministry of defense, that BPI Is simply nonsense “in order to use BPI you have to be close to the site from where the missiles are launched and at the right time. This is portrayed as a magic solution, but it won’t work”.
Arie Hertzog, another former head of this directorate, also said that the BPI is something that is not applicable to the potential ballistic missiles on Israel.
As expected, the advocates of a laser weapon that will “burn” rockets, are also enthusiastic advocates of BPI. Brig. General (ret.) Zvi Shur, a member of the “Home Front Shield” nonprofit organization, who is trying to promote the laser solution, said that the BPI can be the best solution for the growing threat. “We think that two converted passenger aircraft, equipped with powerful lasers can function as the first line of protection when intelligence points to possible ballistic missiles launch. A fleet of five such aircraft, carrying lasers will enable two to be in the air near the launch sites. This of course if there is intelligence reports that missiles are being prepared for launch”
It seems now that the BPI is far, very far from becoming an actual program. But one thing is sure – Israel is looking for more defense layers against the Iranian ballistic missiles threat. In such situation, ideas that seem to many as unrealistic, may become very realistic, by using building blocks Israel has.
By Arie Egozi
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) is partnering with Shift5 to integrate the company’s onboard cyber anomaly detection and predictive…
The Malaysian Ministry of Defence (Mindef) has finalised 40 agreements totalling RM7.3 billion, encompassing seven contracts valued at RM1.90 billion,…
Leonardo, an Italian aerospace company, and the Ministry of Defense of Malaysia (Mindef) have marked a significant milestone during the…
Turkish land systems manufacturer Otokar is displaying its Cobra II and Akrep II armoured vehicles at DSA. The Cobra II…
Systems Engineering & Assessment (SEA), a technology company based in the UK, proudly displays its advanced decoy launcher Ancilia, at…
The Czech Republic’s Excalibur Army has its debuts in the ongoing show. The company is bringing a few small scale…
Turkiye’s Secretariat of Defence Industries (Savunma Sanayii Başkanlığı-SSB), has two main objectives: modernization of Turkish Armed Forces, and establishing&developing a…
Malaysian company, Smart Weapon Storage Inntech Sdn Bhd (SWS), which has been around for 20 years, aims to extend its…
“We will continue to provide tailored solutions to our customers,” said Cem Altinisik, FNSS Corporate Communication Manager in an interview…
Tony Chegwidden, the Director of Business Development International at EDGE Group, is sharing his thoughts regarding the group’s focus and…
Boeing has advanced its manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) technology using a digital F/A-18 Super Hornet and MQ-25 Stingray. The testing shows…
Malaysia’s Lumut Naval Shipyard Sdn Bhd (LUNAS) inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indonesian shipbuilder PT PAL Indonesia at…
Prime Minister of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, attended the unveiling of MALVUS SENSE SDN BHD’s CW-25H, a significant development…
KNDS France which is the main provider of artillery systems for the Royal Malaysian Army and a strategic industrial partner…
The upcoming 10th edition of Indo Defence 2024 Expo & Forum, renowned as one of the foremost international defence industry…
Malaysian firm MILDEF International Technologies unveiled its new Tarantula, 4x4 High Mobility Armoured Vehicle (HMAV) at the ongoing DSA. Also…
Nurol Makina and Nadicorp (Badanbas) are showing their NMS 4X4 armoured vehicle in Royal Malaysian Army camouflage for the first…
South African defence firm Denel is presenting its portfolio of guided weapons and land defence systems at the show. “Denel…
The Malaysian armed forces are accelerating their procurements of modern military equipment in their quest to transform their combat capability.…
PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) is currently participating in the Defense Services Asia (DSA) 2024 defence exhibition, scheduled from 6th to…
The French defence company and a leader in ground mobility solutions, Arquus is showcasing its proven range of defence and…
Tell me about Cendana Auto, and the products that you're featuring here? Cendana Auto is 100% a local Malaysian company,…
Thailand’s defence land system company, Chaiseri, is bringing three of its First Win (FW) series armoured vehicles to the show.…
Turkish weapons company Roketsan is showcasing its broad range of missile equipment at the ongoing show including its new generation…
Malaysia will buy 10 AN/AAQ-33 Sniper Advanced Targeting Pods from the United States. The proposed sale will improve Malaysia’s capability…
As far as high-profile visits go, this one was right up there on the list. After speaking at the opening…
Malaysia’s Weststar Defence Industries has partnered with International Armored Group (IAG) to display the IAG Guardian Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC)…
Singapore Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen’s presence at the ongoing show and his meeting with Malaysia's Prime Minister…
Emirates will add another 43 A380s and 28 Boeing 777 aircraft to its extensive cabin retrofit programme lifting the total…
Lilium, developer of the first all-electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) jet is partnering with advanced air mobility (AAM) operator…
Headquartered in Singapore with reporters spread across all major regions, GBP Aerospace & Defence is a leading media house that publishes three publications that serve the aerospace and defence sector - Asian Defence Technology, Asian Airlines & Aerospace and Daily News. Known industry-wide for quality journalism, GBP Aerospace & Defence is present at more international tradeshows and exhibitions than any other competing publication in the region.
For over three decades, our award-winning team of reporters has been producing top-notch content to help readers stay abreast of the latest developements in the field of commercial aviation, MRO, defence, and Space.
Copyright 2024. GBP. All Rights Reserved.
Home Defence & Security Space Commercial Aviation Maintence Repair & Overhaul Daily News Events About Us
2024 GBP all rights reserved.