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Israel's show of strength
10/07/2008 17:05 - (SA)
Ian Deitch
Jerusalem - Israel displayed its latest spy plane on Thursday in what defence officials said was a show of strength in response to Iranian war games and missile tests.
The aircraft's sophisticated intelligence-gathering technology and electronic warfare systems were developed by state-run Israel Aerospace Industries and installed aboard a US-made Gulfstream G550 business jet.
Israel unveiled the plane last year, but defence officials said the aircraft went on display on Thursday in response to the war games under way in Iran. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren't authorised to discuss military tactics.
"It has the most sophisticated early warning and intelligence devices to date and is capable of reaching all destinations required by the air force," said Assaf Dargan, a spokesperson for Israel Aerospace Industries.
He declined to elaborate, citing security considerations.
The aircraft will also be shown at the Farnborough Air Show in England next week.
Among the missiles Iran said it tested was a new version of the Shahab-3, which has a range of 1 250 miles and is armed with a 1-ton conventional warhead. The missile puts Israel, Turkey, Pakistan and the Arabian peninsula within striking distance.
- SAPA
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