Tel Aviv: The German ministry of defence is evaluating the purchase of the Israeli developed Arrow 4 interceptor. This when the delivery of the Arrow 3 has recently commenced.
The German interest in the new version of the Israeli system is explained by the evolving threats, especially hypersonic missiles developed by Russia.
The first test launch of the Arrow 4, the new member of the Israeli ballistic missiles interceptors, is expected before the end of the year.
Few years ago, Israel and the US initiated the development of the Arrow – 4 ballistic missile interceptor. The design is aimed at dealing with new threats posed mainly by the Iranian long range ballistic missiles.
A senior Israeli defence source said that Germany is showing great interest in the new Arrow version. ”These are very preliminary talks,” the source said.
Today Israel deploys the Arrow-2 and Arrow-3.
According to the Israeli MOD, the Arrow-4 will be an advanced, innovative interceptor 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.
As per Israeli MOD sources, the Arrow-4 will have unprecedented flight and interception capabilities, ensuring the security of the State of Israel.
According to Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), the company that makes the Arrow series of interceptors, the new version will be the most advanced of its kind in the world and will provide a new layer of defence to the State of Israel and its citizens.
A senior Israeli expert said that the German interest in the Arrow 4 was expected as the potential threats by European countries rise. “The Arrow 4 will be capable to intercept a large scale of threats including Hypersonic missiles. The Arrow 4 will use the same infrastructure used by the Arrow 3,”  the expert said.
The sources added that the Arrow 4 is designed to intercept in high altitudes inside the atmosphere.
During the war that broke out on October 7, 2023, the Arrow 3 intercepted long range ballistic missiles that were launched by Iran and it’s proxy, the Houthi rebels in Yemen.
The Arrow 4 will have winglets to enable the interceptor to perform manoeuvres that are needed when the threat is a hypersonic missile or another manoeuvring missile.
-The writer is an Israel-based freelance journalist. The views expressed are of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of Raksha Anirveda
