The 'Wall' Directorate at the Ministry of Defense's Research, Development and Technological Infrastructure Administration (MAPAT), together with the US Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and the IDF, completed today (Tuesday) a successful test of the 'Arrow' weapon system and the 'Arrow 3' interceptor, designed to intercept ballistic missiles outside the atmosphere.
The experiment was carried out from a test field in central Israel, led by Israel Aerospace Industries.
The Arrow system's operational radar array detected the target and transmitted its data to the fire control center, which analyzed the data and carried out full planning for the interception. Upon completion of the planning, two Arrow 3 missiles were launched at the target, successfully completing their mission.
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The two interceptors had a different mission, and they successfully carried it out. The interception took place in space, outside the atmosphere, and simulated an advanced aerial threat, including the possibility of an unconventional threat.
The two "Arrow 3" missiles, which were launched on missions simultaneously, destroyed the target outside the atmosphere - thus simulating a ballistic missile barrage fired at Israel. The enemy missile was simulated by an "Ankor" missile fired from an Air Force F-15 aircraft.
Together with the "Wall" directorate at the Israel Defense Forces and the US Missile Defense Agency, Air Force fighters and industries involved in the development of the weapon system participated in the test: IAI is the prime contractor for the development of the "Arrow" weapon system and interceptors, through the Melam plant that develops and manufactures the Arrow interceptors and the Elta division that develops the radar detection array. Elbit Systems is developing the fire control system. Boeing, the government company for rocket propulsion systems "Tomer" and Rafael are the main subcontractors for the development and production of the Arrow 3 interceptor. Rafael is also responsible for the target missile. The Melamb at the Ministry of Defense is responsible for the security envelope for the test.
The head of the US Missile Defense Agency, Admiral John Hill: "This test was designed to challenge all components of the Arrow weapon system and the execution was excellent. The extensive information gathered in the test will guide and assist in its future developments. The MDA will continue to be committed to helping the State of Israel upgrade its missile defense capabilities against existing and emerging threats in the arena.""
Chief of the General Staff, Maj. Gen. Aviv Kochavi: "The IDF and the defense establishment see great importance in constantly upgrading and improving air defense capabilities. The test conducted this morning is another component in our ability to respond to threats developing in the regional arena as part of the implementation of the IDF's multi-year plan. The successful combination of air defense fighters and advanced Israeli blue-and-white technology results in a multi-layered defense capability that is among the best in the world.""
Head of the Israeli Defense Forces, Brigadier General (res.) Dr. Daniel Gold: "This groundbreaking experiment constitutes another technological leap in the defense system's capabilities to renew and adapt itself to the emerging threat in the regional arena and on the future battlefield. The Israeli Defense Forces, the IDF, and the partner industries will continue to lead the national defense technological superiority.""
Head of the Wall Directorate at the Israel Defense Forces, Moshe Fattal: "The defense establishment is constantly working to improve and upgrade the capabilities of the multi-layered defense system against future threats in the regional arena. Since the successful series of tests in Alaska in 2019 with the 'Arrow 3' weapon system, we have made significant further progress in expanding the system's capabilities. I would like to thank our friends from the US Missile Defense Agency (MDA) for their partnership of more than 30 years in building and strengthening the Israeli missile defense system.""
Boaz Levy, IAI: "The Arrow system, developed by IAI in close cooperation with the Ministry of Defense, the American MDA and the Air Force, proved once again today that the State of Israel possesses the most advanced technology for ballistic missile defense. During the test, the system was tested against future threats, in a challenging scenario, while collecting essential information that is used by the defense establishment and the company's engineers to develop future technologies. The Arrow system is part of IAI's developments that are integrated into all layers of the State of Israel's defense - these systems are groundbreaking, which identify and intercept all threats in space. On behalf of the company's management and IAI Chairman Mr. Amir Peretz, I would like to thank the Ministry of Defense, the Air Force, the defense industries and IAI employees for the professionalism and technological courage that led to the success of the test.""
The 'Arrow' weapon system is a central component of the multi-layered defense system, which also includes the 'Iron Dome' system and the 'Magic Wand' system. The weapon systems are developed under the leadership of the Ministry of Defense through the "Wall" Directorate at the IDF and are operationally operated by fighters of the Air Defense System in the Air Force.
The test is part of the defense establishment's multi-year development plan. The success of the test constitutes an important milestone in the State of Israel's operational ability to defend itself against existing and future threats in the arena from various threat circles.
