Won't it be nice when Israel doesn't have to be a world leader in missile defense technology? Until then, let's thank them for helping to make everyone safer.

Flight Guard passes missile test

Flight Guard, the airborne system designed to protect civilian aircraft from surface-to-air missiles, was successfully tested Monday and Tuesday over Palmachim Air Force base, Israel Aircraft Industries said Tuesday.

Its developers at IAI, Elta, and TAAS-Israel Industries are now hoping US officials will license the platform, allowing not only Israel's airliners to carry the system, but enabling Elta and its partners to market it worldwide.

Using an IAI Boeing 737-200 as the test aircraft, air force personnel launched a "virtual" SA-7 Strela (shoulder-fired) missile at the plane, which was immediately tracked and destroyed by the Flight Guard system.