The Israeli Missile Defense Organization led the event with the U.S. Missile Defense Agency, the Israel Defense Forces and Israel Aerospace Industries. Senior U.S. MDA officials and representatives participated in the test.
The Arrow Weapon System includes the Arrow 2 and Arrow 3 interceptors. It provides the upper layer of Israel’s air and missile defense network.
Israel said Arrow has intercepted ballistic threats launched from Iran and Yemen during the past three years. Those engagements included missiles intercepted outside Earth’s atmosphere.
The latest test evaluated developments intended to counter current and future regional threats. Israel’s Defense Ministry described the event as another milestone in the system’s operational development.
Defense Minister Israel Katz said, “Today’s Arrow system test is further proof of the strength of Israel’s defense establishment, its defense industries, and its technological capabilities. The Arrow system has proven itself in war, successfully intercepting numerous threats from Iran and other arenas and protecting Israel’s citizens.”
The wider Israeli defense architecture also includes David’s Sling, Iron Dome and Iron Beam. Arrow uses Green Pine and Super Green Pine radars alongside command, fire-control and interceptor systems.
Israel Aerospace Industries serves as the system’s prime developer through its Systems, Missiles & Space Group. Its ELTA Group develops the radar array, while Elbit Systems develops the fire-control system.
Tomer, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and U.S.-based STARK Aerospace are key Arrow interceptor subcontractors. The Israeli Air Force’s Air Defense Command operates the system in the field.
“This groundbreaking Arrow test puts into practice the core pillars of the Israel Ministry of Defense’s strategy: staying ahead technologically by developing ‘the next surprises,’ and strengthening Israel’s weapons independence. Even now, following our success in the Iran campaign, we remain in emergency mode, dramatically accelerating production and upgrading the system’s capabilities,” ministry Director General Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amir Baram said.
Baram said Israel’s interceptor stockpile continues to grow following decisions taken over the past year. He also cited new capabilities and continued system upgrades.
IAI President and CEO Guy Bar Lev said, “This test put the system up against future threats and generated data that our engineers will use to build the next generation of aerial defense.” The company said the program reflects long-term cooperation between Israeli and American defense organizations.
“In these new developments, we incorporated advanced technologies, artificial intelligence, the application of combat lessons, and a move into automated manufacturing. This test marks a significant step toward the continued equipping of the IDF with the system,” IMDO Director Moshe Patel said.
The Israel Ministry of Defense leads Arrow development and production through the IMDO. The work is conducted with the U.S. Missile Defense Agency and Israeli defense companies.
