Tel Aviv: While developing the Arrow 4, Israel continues to upgrade its operational Arrow 3 ballistic missiles interceptor.
On January 18, the Israel Missile Defence Organization (IMDO) of the Directorate of Defence Research and Development (DDR&D) in Israel’s Ministry of Defence, together with the US Missile Defence Agency (MDA) and the Israeli Defence Forces, 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).
AWS operational radars array detected the target and transferred data to the battle management control (BMC), which analysed the data and established a defence plan. After the defence plan was established, two Arrow-3 interceptors were launched toward the target and successfully completed the mission.
Along with the IMDO, representatives of the MDA, Israeli Air Force and industries involved in AWS development, participated in the test.
IAI is the primary contractor for the development of the Arrow Weapon System and Arrow interceptors. MLM designs, develops and produces the Arrow interceptors, and ELTA, a subsidiary of IAI, develops the radar detection array. Elisra, a subsidiary of Elbit Systems, develops the BMC. Boeing Company, Tomer and Rafael are the main subcontractors for the development and production of the Arrow 3 interceptor. Rafael designs and develops the target.
“This test was designed to challenge every element of the Arrow Weapon System, and it performed beautifully. Data collected from this test guide future development of the AWS,” said MDA Director Vice Adm. Jon Hill. “MDA remains committed to assisting the Government of Israel in upgrading its missile defence capability against current and emerging threats.”
Chief of the IDF General Staff, Lt. Gen. Aviv Kohavi said: “The IDF and Israel’s defence establishment see great importance in constantly upgrading and improving our air defence capabilities. The test conducted this morning is another element in our ability to respond to developing threats in the region, and is a part of the implementation of the IDF’s multi-year plan.”
Head of the Directorate for Defense Research and Development (DDR&D) in the Israel Ministry of Defense, Brig. Gen. (Res.) Dr. Dani Gold commented: “This groundbreaking test reflects a significant leap forward in the capabilities of the defence establishment to develop in the face of emerging regional threats and to adapt for the future battlefield. The DDR&D and partnering industries will continue spearheading Israel’s technological advance to maintain our national security.”
IMDO Director, Moshe Patel said: “Today we successfully completed a complicated flight test of the Arrow Weapon System and the Arrow 3 interceptor. The Israel Ministry of Defence continues its efforts to enhance and to upgrade Israel’s multi-tier missile defence capabilities against emerging threats in the region. Since the successful series of tests in Alaska in 2019, we have significantly expanded the Arrow Weapon System’s capabilities. I would like to express our appreciation to the MDA and the US Government for the enduring cooperation over a period of 30 years, to build and strengthen Israel’s Missile Defence.”
Boaz Levy, IAI said: “The Arrow System, developed as a result of the close cooperation between Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), the Israel Ministry of Defence (MoD), the United States Missile Defence Association (MDA), and the Israeli Air Force, proved once again that Israel holds one of the world’s most advanced defence systems against ballistic missiles. Throughout the flight test, the system was tested against ‘future threats’, in a challenging scenario, while gathering essential information that will be used by the defence establishment and the company’s engineers for the development of future technologies”.
The AWS is a central part of Israel’s multi-layered defence array that also includes the Iron Dome Defence System and David’s Sling Weapon System.
This test is part of the IDF’s multi-year development program. 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 writer is an Israel-based freelance journalist. The views expressed are of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of Raksha Anirveda
