Arrow-3 Missile Defence System

• 15 Nov 2023

Recently, Israel confirmed that it used its sophisticated Arrow 3 missile interceptor against Iran-backed Houthi rebels.

• Arrow-3 Missile Defence System is an exo-atmospheric anti-ballistic missile defence system for long-range threat engagement.
• The missile was jointly developed by Israel Aerospace Industries and the Missile Defence Agency in the US.
• Initially deployed in 2017, Arrow-3 is the top layer of Israel's sophisticated air-defense network.
• It is designed to take out ballistic missiles while they are still outside of the atmosphere.
• Features:
• It uses two-stage solid-fueled interceptors to engage short- and medium-range ballistic missiles and consists of a launcher, radar, and battle management system.
• It provides a range of 2,400km and can intercept threats at an altitude of 100km.
• It has early warning and fire control radar. It provides extended-range acquisition as well as multi-target acquisition and tracking capabilities.
• It uses hit-to-kill technology to destroy incoming missiles.
• The missile is launched vertically, and then the direction is changed towards the estimated interception point.
• The high-resolution electro-optical sensor acquires the target for the kill vehicle to hit the target and destroy the warhead.