.

The development of the new defense system will begin at the start of 2008. The system will also significantly reduce the risk of infiltration into Israeli airspace by hijacked or unidentified aircraft.

The decision followed Intelligence reports of international terror organizations' plans to target Israeli aircraft and assessments that missiles were becoming more advanced and more readily available to terror groups, Israel Radio reported.

Barak: 90% coverage against missiles will be in place in a few years

The cabinet also approved a proposal by Transportation Minister Shaul Mofaz, according to which, before the introduction of the new technology, a budget would be allocated to fortify all civilian planes this year using existing technology that IAF aircraft are already equipped with.

Israel will thereby become the first country in the world to install defense systems in all its civilian aircraft.