Tel Aviv. Israeli Arrow-4 ballistic missiles interceptor will have control winglets to make it capable against hypersonic missiles.

An expert who talked with Raksha Anirveda said that Israel needs to plan its missiles defense capabilities for many years to come. “At this point there is no hypersonic missile threat on Israel but when you design such an advanced interceptor, this capability should be included as some countries develop such missiles and in the Middle East you must expect the unexpected.”

As reported by Raksha Anirveda Israel and the US have begun 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.

The Arrow Weapon System is a major element of Israel’s multilayered missile defense array. It includes advanced radar systems, developed and produced by IAI subsidiary, Elta. It also includes a BMC system developed by Elbit Systems, and a Launch Array including interceptors produced by MLM, another subsidiary of IAI.

Defense industries Rafael and Tomer are also involved in the development and production of the Arrow interceptor. Arrow-2 is operational since the year 2000, providing endo-exoatmospheric defense. Arrow-3, an exoatmospheric missile defense system, was delivered for operational use in 2017. It serves as the upper layer of Israel’s multi-tier missile defense array.

Over the past few years, both of the interceptors were upgraded, and demonstrated excellent capabilities during successful tests held in Israel and Alaska, US.

Iran has developed a range of long range ballistic missiles. Some are based on liquid fuel while others are powered by solid fuel.

-The writer is an Israel-based freelance journalist