A surface-to-surface missile launched into Israel from the Red Sea area on Tuesday morning was successfully intercepted by the Arrow long-range defense system. This is the first time that the advanced interception system has been used in an "iron swords" war.
The missile, apparently fired by the Houthis, was intercepted outside Israeli territory. In the background of the use and the huge deal signed only two months ago with Germany, which purchased the Arrow 3 system, considered one of the most advanced in the world, we will try to understand a little more about the missile, its technology, and how it will help future threats against the country in the present and in the future.
Last August, a huge NIS 14 billion deal was signed between Israel and Germany to purchase the air defense system, considered the most advanced of its kind in the world for intercepting ballistic missiles in space. The contract is due to be officially signed this November. This is the largest defense deal in the country's history to date.
Arrow missile test, photo: Ministry of Defense
Defense Ministry Director General Maj. Gen. (res.) Eyal Zamir said two months ago, upon publication of the agreement between the two countries: "This is a historic agreement with far-reaching implications. The deal is another layer in strengthening strategic-security relations between Israel and Germany and recognizing the quality of the Israeli defense industry. The largest defense export deal in Israel's history will catapult Israeli defense exports, which reached a record $12.5 billion last year alone. It will create hundreds of new jobs and bring further impetus to the defense industries. The Arrow 3 deal further fortifies the deep alliance with the US, both strategically, politically-security with our partners at the Pentagon, the State Department and the Missile Defense Agency (MDA), and industrial cooperation, since the system components manufactured for Israel today in the US will also be manufactured in the US for the Germans."
Defense Minister Yoav Galant: "The sale of the Arrow 3 interception system is a vote of confidence in the exceptional capabilities of Israel's defense industries. This is a significant decision that will help build Israel's technological and economic power. In the eyes of every Jew, it is of special significance that Germany is assisted in its defense by the State of Israel. We are proud of our ability to execute the largest arms deal in the history of Israeli industries. The Arrow 3 system is a groundbreaking system, the most advanced of its kind in the world, and constitutes a force multiplier in Israel's air defense effort. And soon also in Europe. Cooperation with the US government was an important component throughout the development process of the system and the promotion of the huge deal. This is further proof of the strength of the security ties between Israel and the United States."
Arrow missile battery (archive), photo: Yossi Zeliger
What is "Arrow 3"?
This weapon system is a central component of the multi-layered defense system, which includes, inter alia, the Iron Dome system and the "Magic Wand" system. All of them are weapons systems developed under the leadership of the Ministry of Defense through the "Homa" Administration in the DDR, and are operationally operated by fighters of the Air Force's air defense system.
The Arrow 3 is an exoatmospheric interceptor for intercepting ballistic missiles outside the atmosphere. The interceptor has a long-range interception capability, at a high altitude above the atmosphere, a capability that makes it the best interceptor of its kind in the world. The principle of operation of the Arrow 3 is based on a direct physical hit on the target (HIT TO KILL) IAI is the main contractor for the development of the weapons system, the Arrow interceptors and the radar detection system. Elbit Systems develops the command and control system. The government company for rocket propulsion systems Tomer and Rafael are the main subcontractors for the development and production of the Arrow 3 interceptor. American company STARK Aerospace, owned by IAI, is the main contractor in the US.
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