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2021-03-01

Israel,U.S. Begin Arrow-4 System Development

The Israel Missile Defense Organization (IMDO), in the Directorate of Defense R&D (MAFAT) of the Israel Ministry of Defense, and the U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA), have commenced the development of the Arrow-4 system.

Arrow-4 will be the next generation of endo-exoatmospheric interceptors in the Arrow weapon system, which today consists of Arrow-2 and Arrow-3 interceptors.

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

Arrow-2 is operational since the year 2000, providing endo-exoatmospheric defence.

Arrow-3, an exoatmospheric missile defence system, was delivered for operational use in 2017. It serves as the upper layer of Israel’s multi-tier missile defence array.

The Arrow 3 interceptor is part of the Arrow Weapon System (AWS) which is the world’s first operational, national, stand-alone ATBM (Anti Tactical Ballistic Missiles) defence system.

Based on the effective Arrow 2 and Arrow 3 interceptors, the Arrow modular air defence system detects, tracks, intercepts and destroys incoming TBMs carrying a range of warheads and over a large footprint, thereby protecting strategic assets and population centres.

The innovative Arrow 3 interceptor is designed to intercept and destroy the newest, longer-range threats, especially those carrying weapons of mass destruction.

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

In the words of Israeli Defence Minister, Benny Gantz: “Along with the development of vital offensive capabilities, the defence establishment is constantly working to defend Israel’s skies against ballistic threats through the ongoing development of its multi-layered (missile defence) array.

The development of Arrow-4 together with our American partners will result in a technological and operational leap forward, preparing us for the future battle field and the ever-evolving threats in the Middle East and beyond. I congratulate the Israel Missile Defence Organization, which is currently marking its 30th anniversary, as well as the U.S. Missile Defense Agency and IAI, thanks to which we are able to defend Israel’s home front.”

Enhanced Capabilities

Arrow-4 will be an advanced, innovative interceptor missile with enhanced capabilities. It will address a wide range of evolving threats in the region and will replace the Arrow-2 interceptors over the next decades.

IAI is the prime contractor for the development and production of the system and its interceptors.

A leader in defence, aerospace, and commercial markets, IAI leverages state-of-the-art technology and decades of combat-proven experience delivering solutions to national defence and security challenges.

Delivering large turnkey projects, IAI acts as a prime contractor, subcontractor, and team members in dozens of large programmes for the aerospace, land, sea, and cyber domains and multi-domain applications.

As per MDA Director, Vice Adm. John Hill: “Arrow-4 is a cooperative programme between the MDA and IMDO that illustrates U.S. commitment to assisting the government of Israel in upgrading its national missile defence capability to defend the State of Israel from emerging threats.”

Head of the Israel Missile Defense Organization, Moshe Patel stated: “We are starting the development of the Arrow-4 system at a symbolic time- 30 years after the Gulf war, which led to the establishment of the IMDO and the joint missile defence programme with our American partners. Over the last three decades, we have developed one of the most advanced missile defence arrays in the world, built of four layers with demonstrated capabilities. These capabilities are being constantly improved against emerging threats. Arrow-4 will have unprecedented flight and interception capabilities.”

Jacob Galifat, GM of the IAI/MLM Division added: “The Arrow weapon system, which was one of the first in the world to intercept ballistic missiles, will be upgraded with a significant capability, produced by IAI, in the form of the Arrow-4 interceptor. The interceptor will be the most advanced of its kind in the world and will provide a new layer of defence to the State of Israel and its citizens.”

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