Tel Aviv: The Ministerial Committee for Procurement has approved the Israel Ministry of Defence (IMOD) plan for a major additional acceleration of Arrow interceptor production developed and manufactured at Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).
Defence Minister Israel Katz and IMOD Director General Maj Gen (Res.) Amir Baram advanced the deal, which will be signed shortly, enabling a significant increase in both the production rate and stockpile of Arrow interceptors as part of preparations for the evolving campaign. Israel’s defence industries are already ramping up production under IMOD directives, and the Committee’s approval clears the way for further expansion.
The Arrow system, jointly developed and produced with the US Missile Defence Agency (MDA), intercepts ballistic threats at exo-atmospheric and upper-atmospheric altitudes, defending Israel against long-range strategic threats. The system has proven its capabilities during the current war, successfully intercepting numerous ballistic missiles launched from Iran and Yemen. It is considered one of the most advanced missile defence systems in the world.
The acceleration plan is led by the Director of the Israel Missile Defence Organisation (IMDO) within the Directorate of Defence Research and Development (DDR&D), Moshe Patel, together with the Budget Department and additional IMOD departments.
IAI is the prime developer of the Arrow system through the company’s MLM Division, in partnership with STARK Aerospace in the United States. IAI’s ELTA Division and TMM Division, Elbit Systems, Tomer, and Rafael Advanced Defence Systems all participate in the system’s production.
The MDA is a key partner of the IMDO within DDR&D in developing and producing Israel’s multi-layered air and missile defence array, which includes the Arrow, David’s Sling, and Iron Dome systems. The strategic cooperation between Israel and the United States helps ensure Israel’s technological edge in air defence.
Defence Minister, Israel Katz, commented, “The large-scale acceleration of Arrow interceptor production is already driving a significant increase in monthly output, strengthening Israel’s upper defence layer against ballistic threats from Iran and its proxies. Israel has sufficient interceptors to protect its citizens, and this initiative is designed to ensure continued freedom of action and the sustained operational endurance we require. The Ayatollah regime should know: Israel is resilient and strong, prepared to sustain the campaign for as long as necessary, and continues to enhance its defensive and offensive capabilities while fighting.”
IMOD Director General Maj Gen (Res.) Amir Baram, stated, “Over the past year – and with greater intensity since Operation Roaring Lion – the IMOD has been operating on an emergency footing to increase production rates across our multi-layered defence systems, first and foremost the Arrow. The proactive steps we took early on, together with the defence industries, are what give the IDF its sustained operational endurance today. The Committee’s approval will allow us to fund the measures already underway and strengthen readiness for the months ahead.”
Head of DDR&D, Brig Gen (Res.) Dr Daniel Gold, remarked, “The Arrow system forms the upper layer of Israel’s multi-layered air and missile defence array and has demonstrated outstanding performance against missiles from Iran and Yemen in recent years. Accelerating production and expanding procurement of Arrow interceptors is a vital step in maintaining the IDF’s qualitative edge and reinforcing the defence of Israel’s civilian and military home front. DDR&D has tasked the defence industries with increasing capabilities and production rates across all of the IDF’s strategic munitions – defensive and offensive alike – as a clear lesson of this war. This is a central milestone on that path.”
IAI President and CEO Boaz Levy, said, “With Israel in the midst of Operation Roaring Lion and facing an active ballistic threat, the need for Arrow 3 – capable of high-altitude interception with precise, advanced, and highly reliable technology – has become more evident than ever. The knowledge and expertise accumulated at IAI, combined with the around-the-clock dedication and professionalism our people have shown, converge at the moment when technology, people, and national mission come together. We will continue to stand at the forefront, strengthen Israel’s security, and ensure its citizens have the best and most advanced protection in the world.”
-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
