Obama Proposes Budget Boost for Arrow 3
The Obama administration has proposed to increase funding for the Arrow 3 missile defense system from $30 million to $37.5 million. Based on an agreement between Israel and the U.S., the administration will increase aid to Israel from $2.55 billion to $2.78 billion. Under the agreement, Israel will receive $30 billion in defense aid over 10 years. (Source)
The Arrow 2, which Israel successfully test-fired last month, will see a budget reduction, from $74.3 million to $36.3 million. Israel’s Arrow defense system is designed to intercept and destroy ballistic missiles.
Overall, the budget would reduce defense spending by 15 percent. Facing nuclear threats from Iran, Israel and the U.S. need to be vigilant in developing a comprehensive missile defense system and increasing efforts to protect the homeland and our allies.
