Israel Aerospace Industries secures contract for Arrow 3 anti-ballistic missile interceptors

The deal was signed by Maj. Gen. (Res.) Eyal Zamir, Director General of the IMOD, during a ceremony held at the Ministry’s headquarters in Tel Aviv. High-ranking officials, including Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Dr. Daniel Gold, Head of the Directorate of Defense Research & Development (DDR&D), and Boaz Levy, CEO of IAI, were in attendance to mark this strategic milestone.

The Arrow-3 interceptor is part of the Arrow Weapon System (AWS), the world’s first operational anti-tactical ballistic missile (ATBM) defence system. Developed jointly by Israel and the United States, the system is designed to detect, track, intercept, and destroy long-range ballistic missile threats. Its advanced technology enables both endo- and exo-atmospheric interception, offering unparalleled defence against weapons of mass destruction.

“The Arrow system represents the pinnacle of defence technology, safeguarding Israel’s skies and population,” stated Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Dr. Daniel Gold. The system has demonstrated remarkable performance, particularly during the “Iron Swords” war (2023-2024), where it intercepted numerous missile threats with exceptional success rates.

The Arrow-3 interceptor complements the Arrow-2 system, creating a multi-tiered defence network. While Arrow-2 is adept at intercepting short- to medium-range threats, Arrow-3 extends protection to counter longer-range ballistic missiles, including those capable of hypersonic speeds. These capabilities have been combat-proven, successfully neutralising threats such as Shahab-3 and Scud missiles.

IAI leads the development and production of the Arrow system through its MLM Division, with support from key partners such as Elbit Systems, Rafael, and the U.S. company Stark Aerospace. The system integrates radar technology from IAI’s ELTA Division and propulsion advancements from Tomer, ensuring state-of-the-art operational performance.

The expanded procurement aligns with Israel’s commitment to maintaining a robust multi-layered air defence strategy. Alongside Arrow, the system includes the David’s Sling and Iron Dome, providing comprehensive protection against a wide spectrum of aerial threats. Moshe Patel, Director of the Israel Missile Defense Organisation (IMDO), emphasised the international collaboration that has strengthened Israel’s defence posture.

As global missile threats continue to evolve, the Arrow-3 contract underscores Israel’s proactive measures to adapt and enhance its strategic defence systems. Boaz Levy, CEO of IAI, reflected on the importance of this development, stating, “This agreement marks another step in securing Israel’s future and reaffirms our leadership in advanced defence technologies.”