Defense officials say Israel will begin outfitting some of its passenger aircraft with missile defense systems within weeks.
The plans have been in the works since 2002, when an Arkia passenger jet was targeted after takeoff by militants firing missiles in Mombasa, Kenya. The missiles missed, but the attack spurred Israel to consider equipping passenger aircraft with defense systems similar to those already used by the air force.
The officials say the system fires flares that disrupt an incoming missile's heat-seeking mechanism.
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It will be installed first on airplanes flying to destinations considered dangerous, especially in Africa and parts of Asia.
The officials say the plans were held up until this month by arguments between government ministries over who would foot the bill.
