Israel tested its Arrow3 missile defense system this week in what was described as a breakthrough for its ability to intercept ballistic missiles outside the earth’s atmosphere. Israeli defense officials used such superlatives as “unprecedented” to describe the achievement, saying it was indicative of “Israel’s technological superiority” and underscoring the system’s innovative capabilities in confronting an array of threats, among them nonconventional ones, before they penetrate the atmosphere.

The experiment was led by the Israel Missile Defense Organization in conjunction with the US Missile Defense Agency and Israeli defense industries. According to the Defense Ministry’s official statement, the test involved detection of an incoming target by the Arrow’s radar, relay of the data to the system’s Shooting Management Center, analysis of the information and preparation of an interception plan, and the launch of two Arrow3 interceptors, each with a different mission, which destroyed the target.

The test was part of a long-term development plan of anti-missile defenses unconnected to the latest developments in the erratic negotiations between the United States and Iran on its nuclear program, but the Arrow3 and similar systems clearly provide Israel with an insurance policy regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Should all diplomatic efforts to block Iran’s ambitions fail, and if Israel does not attack Iran’s nuclear facilities despite threatening to do so, the Arrow system will at least enable Israel to defend itself against Iranian ballistic missiles carrying nuclear warheads.

While nuclear weapons use is an avenue of last resort, some in Israel believe such a scenario could be conceivable under certain circumstances and that Israel must therefore be prepared. Israel is not hopeful that the negotiations will result in an agreement slowing Iran’s race to nuclear breakout capabilities.