The improved Arrow 2 anti-ballistic missile system performed as planned Tuesday morning at an intercept test over the Mediterranean Sea, a Defense Ministry spokesperson said.
The test was conducted by the Israel Missile Defense Organization (IMDO) of DDR&D and the U.S. Missile Defense Agency at an Israeli test range.
During the test, “an Arrow 2 missile was launched and performed its flight sequence as planned,” the spokesperson said. “The results are being analyzed by program engineers.”
The test results, however, have no effect on Israeli operational systems’ capability to cope with the existing threats in the region, the spokesperson emphasized. “This test was an improved version of the joint U.S.-Israel Arrow Weapon System, intended to counter future threats.”
The five-tier defense system is being developed and integrated by Israel Aerospace Industries in conjunction with Boeing, Elta and Elbit/Elisra.
The mobile Arrow defense system is comprised of the hypersonic Arrow anti-missile interceptor, the Elta “Green Pine” early warning AESA radar, the Elisra “Golden Citron” center and the Israel Aerospace Industries “Brown Hazelnut” launch control center.
The first operational missile defense system specifically designed and built to intercept and destroy ballistic missiles, the Arrow system is considered to be one of the most advanced missile defense programs currently in existence.
Jointly funded and produced by Israel and the United States, development of the Arrow began in 1986, with improvements and adjustments continuing ever since. The Israeli Air Defense Command of the IDF remains — at least for now — the sole user of the complete Arrow system.