07.29.19

Sullivan Lauds Successful U.S.-Israeli Missile Test at Kodiak Launch Complex

UTQIAGVIK, AK — U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) today released the following statement on the successful test of the Arrow-3 Interceptor missile, a joint effort between the U.S. Missile Defense Agency and the Israeli Defense Ministry’s Missile Defense Organization, at the Pacific Spaceport Complex — Alaska on Kodiak Island. 

“The critical role Alaska plays in our nation’s missile defense and that of our allies was demonstrated again this month,” said Senator Sullivan. “As I have long said, Alaska is the cornerstone of our missile defense, home to the vast majority of the homeland missile defense interceptors and radar sites that defend the country. We are building this up significantly as we speak. But we also have a re-emerging role in conducting tests for the missile defense system at the Kodiak Launch Complex.”

“Over the past three years, I’ve worked to successfully advance legislation that has bolstered the build-up of Alaska’s missile defense and the testing of some of these systems in Alaska. The test this weekend shows the strength of U.S.-Israeli cooperation on missile defense. It should send a strong message to our common adversary, Iran, about our ability to deter any aggressive act against our allies in the region,” Senator Sullivan said. 

“I want to commend all those who invested the thousands of hours of preparation that went into producing this successful test. In particular, I also want to thank the people of Kodiak who have been host to American and Israeli officials working to conduct this historic test,” Sullivan concluded.

According to The Times of Israel, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also lauded the successful test, saying, “They were successful beyond any imagination. The Arrow 3 — with complete success — intercepted ballistic missiles beyond the atmosphere at unprecedented altitudes and speeds.”  

The U.S. Missile Defense Agency reports “the Arrow-3 Interceptor successfully demonstrated an engagement capability against the exo-atmospheric target.” 

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