Report: Syria tests long-range missiles

By Yuval Azoulay



Syria has recently test-launched a series of surface-to-surface missiles and rockets, Channel 2 news reported yesterday.

The test launch was detected by Israel's radar systems, including the Oren Yarok (Green Pine) and Oren Adir (Magnificent Pine) radars, which activate Israel's Arrow defense missiles, Channel 2 reported.



Syria has some 1,000 models of Scud missiles with a range of 300 to 700 kilometers.

The Syrian missiles are capable of striking targets anywhere in Israel. The Syrian military can fit the missiles with chemical warheads, and may have conducted experiments with biological warheads as well.

In addition to its Scud missile arsenal, Syria also possesses SS-21 missiles with a range of 80 kilometers but with a much higher precision than the Scuds.

The biggest threat facing Israel, however, is Syria's arsenal of thousands of rockets with a range of nearly 100 kilometers, some of which can reach as far as Haifa bay. These rockets are far more accurate than the Scud missiles.

In response to Syria's drill, the Israel Defense Forces and the Israel Air Force anti-aircraft unit conducted an exercise simulating a possible Syrian missile attack.

Channel 2 reported that Israel's defense establishment was more concerned with the threat posed by Syria's long-range rockets than the Scuds it possesses.