AFP, Washington, Sept 29, 2008 (excerpts) – The United States has deployed a powerful missile defense radar to Israel a year earlier than scheduled to enhance regional defenses against ballistic missiles, a Pentagon spokesman said Monday.

“The system has arrived in Israel,” Lieutenant Colonel Patrick Ryder told AFP, who said that about 120 US military personnel also were involved in the deployment.

It comes amid growing US and international concern about Iran’s missile and nuclear programs and statements by Iran’s leaders threatening Israel with extinction.

“The radar will enhance and extend missile defense capabilities in the region, and function as a deterrent to attack,” said Ryder.