Israel tests its Arrow Weapon System, including the interceptor that flies into space

Israel has successfully completed a planned test of the Arrow Weapon System, its highest-tier ballistic-missile defence system.

The test included firing of the longest and highest-ranged interceptor, the Arrow 3, a weapon designed to find and destroy long-range ballistic missiles while they are still in space. Arrow 2, a mid-range interceptor designed for upper-atmospheric and lower engagements, was also launched

The Israeli Ministry of Defence (IMOD) shared that the exercise was “part of the multi-year test program for the development and upgrade of the system,” although it did not elaborate on the nature of the tests.

“The launch was conducted from a test site in central Israel,” the IMOD added.

According to Ynetnews, the trail of one of the interceptors was visible in the sky over the coastal city of Ashdod, causing some concern among beachgoers.

Upgrading the Arrow interceptors for evolving threats

The Arrow 2 interceptor was introduced in 2000, and can engage missiles in the upper atmosphere. The modernised Arrow 3, in service since 2017, is one of very few air defences in the world capable of interceptions in space.

The two interceptors provide overlapping layers rather than performing identical jobs. Arrow 3 offers the earliest opportunity to engage a missile during the space-flight portion of its trajectory. Arrow 2 can provide another engagement opportunity closer to Israel or tackle threats whose flight profiles are better suited to a lower-altitude interception.

Data gathered during developmental tests can be used to refine tracking, targeting and interception software, as well as to evaluate the system against simulated versions of emerging ballistic-missile threats.

“Israel’s defence establishment continues to develop and upgrade the system at all times against evolving threats expected in the region in the coming years,” the IMOD stated, adding that it was part of preserving “Israel’s technological superiority by developing operational solutions and preempting the enemy’s next surprises.”

The Arrow Weapons System explained

Arrow is not simply a family of interceptor missiles. It is a connected system of radars, command-and-control equipment, fire-control systems, launchers and interceptors.

Green Pine and Super Green Pine radars detect and track incoming ballistic missiles. The command system then classifies each threat, predicts its trajectory and calculates whether and where an interception should take place. An Arrow 2 or Arrow 3 interceptor can then be assigned according to the missile’s altitude, range and flight profile.

Arrow 3 itself is a two-stage, solid-fuel interceptor carrying a manoeuvrable kill vehicle. It uses hit-to-kill technology, physically colliding with its target at very high speed rather than relying primarily on an explosive blast. It briefly travels into space to make the interception, but does not enter orbit.

In recent years, the AWS, including Arrow 2 and Arrow 3, have been used wth success on many occasions, according to the IMOD spokesperson. The Ministry claims threats from both Iran and Yemen have been neutralised, “including ballistic missiles in space, in the exo-atmosphere.”

Arrow 4 is on the way for Israel’s missile defences

As well as continually refining today’s tools, Israel is also looking to the next step. Working with the United States, it has been developing Arrow 4 since 2017, seeking a solution to ultimately replace the quarter-century-old Arrow 2.

Arrow 4 is expected to operate both inside and outside the atmosphere, filling the engagement space between the existing Arrow 2 and Arrow 3 capabilities. Israel Aerospace Industries has described it as a new generation of endo-exo-atmospheric interceptor rather than simply an upgraded Arrow 3.

Moshe Patel, director and general manager of the Israeli Missile Defense Organization, told Business Insider last month that Arrow 4 was in an advanced stage and nearing serial production. He also said the interceptor would incorporate artificial-intelligence technology, although no detailed explanation of its role has been released.