• The Israel Missile Defense Organization (IMDO), together with the US Missile Defense Agency (MDA), conducted a successful flight test of the Arrow Weapon System (AWS) and the Arrow 3 interceptor, which is designed to intercept ballistic missiles outside of the Earth’s atmosphere. 

• The test was performed at a test site in central Israel, and led by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).

• The Arrow Weapon System, jointly developed by IMDO and MDA, is a central part of Israel’s multi-layered defence array. The defence array is based on four layers: Iron Dome Defence System, David’s Sling Weapon System, the AWS Arrow-2 and Arrow-3 interceptors. The AWS is designed to intercept ballistic missiles outside of the Earth’s atmosphere.

• This test is part of the Israeli Defence Forces’s multi-year development programme. The success of this test is an important milestone for Israel’s operational capability to defend itself against existing and evolving threats in the region.

The Arrow 3 interceptor

• The Arrow 3 interceptor is part of the Arrow Weapon System (AWS) which is the world’s first operational, national, stand-alone ATBM (Anti-Tactical Ballistic Missiles) defence system.

• Arrow 3 integrates seamlessly into the Arrow Weapon System (AWS) complementing the current and future blocks of the Arrow 2 interceptor, thus enabling upper-tier multiple engagement opportunities.

• The Arrow modular air defence system detects, tracks, intercepts and destroys incoming TBMs carrying a range of warheads and over a large footprint, thereby protecting strategic assets and population centers.

• The Arrow-3 system’s capabilities enable longer range, higher altitude (exo-atmospheric), and more precise ballistic missile engagements.

• The innovative Arrow 3 interceptor is designed to intercept and destroy the newest, longer-range threats, especially those carrying weapons of mass destruction.

Development of Arrow 4

• The Israel Missile Defense Organisation (IMDO) and the US Missile Defense Agency (MDA) have commenced the development of the Arrow 4 system. Arrow 4 will be the next generation of endo-exoatmospheric interceptors in the Arrow Weapon System.

• Arrow 4 will be an advanced, innovative interceptor missile with enhanced capabilities. It will address a wide range of evolving threats in the region and will replace the Arrow 2 interceptors over the next decades.

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