The latest US aid figures for Israeli missile Defense programs in the US 2011 fiscal year ought to please Israel’s defense establishment: next year, various anti-missile programs will get record funding of around $423 million, more than double the figure for 2010.
The jump in US funding for Israel's missile defense programs comes from a one-time $205 million grant for the procurement of ten Iron Dome batteries for defense against short-range missiles, which the government loudly trumpeted in May. The White House said at the time, "The President recognizes the threat to Israel from Hizbullah and Hamas's missile batteries."
The Obama administration asked for $50.8 million for the Arrow 3 program in the Defense Appropriation Bill for fiscal year 2011. The House Appropriation Subcommittee on Defense added another $58 million, bringing the total appropriation for the Arrow 3 to $108 million, subject to final approval by Congress. David’s Sling (also known as Magic Wand) will receive $84.7 million in fiscal year 2011.
The fiscal year 2010 appropriations for the Arrow 3 and David Sling projects were $50,036,000 and $80,092,000, respectively, according to section 8075 of the fiscal year 2010 Defense Appropriation Bill. The total amount of US funding allotted to the US Israel Joint Missile Defense Program in fiscal year 2010 was $202,434,000.
Israel's Embassy in Washington said in response, "Israel appreciates the administration and Congress' commitment to Israel's security, especially at this time. Israel places great importance on joint development of missile defense systems, which are considered a defense need of both countries."
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on August 3, 2010
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