The delivery of an upgraded interceptor currently being installed on Israel’s Arrow anti-missile batteries will ramp up its ability to cope with threats from Syria and Iran, defence experts say.

“The upgraded Block 4 system will significantly improve the accuracy of the existing Arrow 2 missile defence system,” an official at the Israeli defence ministry said.

He was referring to the latest upgrade of Israel’s cutting-edge missile interception programme which began as a joint project with the US in the 1980s.

“We find ourselves in a technological race whereby our defence systems must keep up with offensive threats,” the source said.

The Block 4 upgrade incorporates a new generation of radar and other technologies which will be synchronised with US systems that are already in use in the region.

“This synchronisation of systems will allow for better tracking of an enemy missile or salvo of missiles fired at our territory,” an Israeli defence official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

One of the most advanced anti-ballistic missile systems in the world, the Arrow 2 was developed in the mid-1990s to counter regional missile threats coming from Syria, Saudi Arabia and Iraq.

But with rising tensions over Iran’s nuclear programme and nearly 18 months of bloody unrest in Syria, the focus has shifted.

“With Block 4, the Arrow 2 responds more effectively to the threat posed by (Syrian) Scud D missiles and (Iranian) Shahab missiles,” the official said.

Last month, Iran test-fired its medium-range Shahab-3 missile which can travel up to 2,000 kilometres, making it theoretically capable of hitting Israel, which is just 1,000 kilometres away.

Experts say Syria has a stockpile of Scud and SS-21 ballistic missiles which can be used to deliver chemical weapons.