Israel to accelerate Arrow interceptor production

Israel to accelerate Arrow interceptor production

Israel is set to expedite the production of its Arrow 4 interceptor, a significant advancement in its missile defense capabilities. The Arrow 4, developed jointly by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and the U.S. Missile Defense Agency, is designed to replace earlier versions and enhance Israel's ability to neutralize emerging missile threats. The system is expected to enter operational trials within two years, with the possibility of accelerated timelines if required.

Boaz Levy, CEO of IAI, confirmed the imminent operational deployment of the Arrow 4, stating that the next generation of development is also underway. The missile, a direct evolution of the Arrow 3, will focus on shorter-range threats with improved targeting precision. According to Maariv, Arrow 4 will provide an additional layer of defense alongside the existing Arrow 2 and Arrow 3 systems, which serve as the backbone of Israel’s anti-ballistic shield [1].

The Arrow Weapon System (AWS), comprising Arrow 2 and Arrow 3, is the world’s first operational, national anti-tactical ballistic missile defense system. With support from the ELM-2080 Green Pine Radar, the system detects, tracks, and intercepts ballistic missiles at speeds of up to 3 km/s, offering protection against diverse warhead threats. IAI highlights that Arrow 4 introduces advanced manoeuvrability and seeker technology, combined with a new warhead optimised for precision strikes. The system supports a “shoot-look-shoot” operational doctrine, allowing mid-course correction and layered response against hypersonic or ballistic missile attacks [1].

The Arrow 4 programme began in February 2021, with Israel and the United States announcing the joint development initiative through the Israel Missile Defense Organisation and the U.S. Missile Defense Agency. It represents a strategic leap forward in Israel’s air defense posture. The missile’s design aims to respond to new generations of faster and more evasive threats, including hypersonic projectiles. IAI stresses its importance in providing “a new line of missile defense for the citizens of Israel against threats from hostile states seeking its destruction” [1].

International attention has also been drawn to the Arrow 4. Germany, which procured the Arrow 3 under the European Sky Shield Initiative, is reportedly considering adopting the Arrow 4 to bolster its layered missile defenses. The system’s modularity and multi-national compatibility position it as a viable option for future coalition defense frameworks [1].

Moshe Patel, director of the Israel Missile Defense Organization (IMDO), underscores the importance of Israel’s multi-layered defense system. Patel notes that the success of Israel’s air defense lies in its ability to adapt and improve its systems based on real-time operational feedback. The IMDO has been instrumental in managing the development and production of Israel’s air defense systems since 1991. Patel highlights that the Arrow 3, in particular, has benefited from operational lessons learned and ongoing improvements [2].

The Arrow 4’s production acceleration is part of Israel’s broader strategy to stay ahead of emerging threats, including hypersonic missiles. Patel emphasizes that Israel is always looking a few steps ahead and preparing for future threats. The Arrow 4 and Arrow 5 systems are integral to this strategy, representing significant advancements in Israel’s air defense capabilities [2].

References:
[1] https://defence-industry.eu/arrow-4-missile-defence-system-to-be-deployed-soon-says-iai-ceo-boaz-levy/
[2] https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-israel-missile-defense-chief-results-exceeded-expectations-1001515714