Arrow-3, the Israeli exo-atmospheric ballistic missile interceptor successfully intercepted three medium-range missile targets over the North Pacific Ocean. The event marked the completion of a full-capacity flight test campaign. Three Medium-Range Ballistic Missile targets were intercepted in outer space, by Arrow-3 interceptors launched from Kodiak, Alaska. The tests were conducted under a joint Israeli-US program led by Israel’s Missile Defense Organization (IMDO) of the Directorate of Defense Research and Development (DDR&D) and the U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA).
Flight Test Arrow-01 demonstrated the Israeli Arrow Weapon System’s ability to conduct a high altitude hit-to-kill engagement. The video that recorded the test clearly shows the sharp divert maneuver performed by the interceptor a fraction of second before the collision with the target, resulting in a direct hit that destroys the target. These tests were conducted at Pacific Spaceport Complex-Alaska (PSCA) in Kodiak, Alaska. “This unique success in Alaska provides confidence in future Israeli capabilities to defeat the developing threats in the region.” MDA Director Vice Adm. Jon Hill commented, adding: “We are committed to assisting the Government of Israel in upgrading its national missile defense capability to defend the State of Israel from emerging threats.”
The Arrow-3 Interceptor successfully demonstrated an engagement capability against the exo-atmospheric target during the test. Although not part of the Israeli architecture, a U.S. AN-TPY2 radar participated in the test. Preliminary analysis indicates that test objectives were successfully achieved. The integration of the US radar with the Israeli missile defense system is important, as Israel relies on US missile defenses as a backup for its own missile defense capabilities. Under such cooperation US missile destroyers often visit the Israeli ports of Haifa and Ashdod and the US Army deploys missile defense units to Israel, to participate in the biennial Juniper Cobra exercise. operates a radar station with this type of radar from the Israel Negev desert and has deployed a THAAD missile defense system to Israel as part of its theater rapid deployment tests.
The Arrow Weapon System (AWS) represents the upper layer of Israel’s multi-layer defense system. When fully integrated with the AWS, Arrow-3 extends the system’s capability to engage missile targets in space, typically, before such targets separate and deploy decoys and countermeasures. at long range and high altitude, Israel’s multi-layer defense system is currently employs four operational layers: Iron Dome Defense System defending against rockets of different sizes, David’s Sling Weapon System defending against rockets, short-range missiles, cruise missiles and aircraft, and the Arrow Weapon System engaging medium to long-range missiles with Arrow-2, and the new Arrow-3.
