Israeli sources said that the Houthis launched two cruise missiles and one ballistic missile. This missile assumed a trajectory that posed a threat to Israel, which is why the Arrow was used.
The two cruise missiles were intercepted by other systems.
On October 31, Israeli sensors detected the missile over the Red Sea, and an Arrow interceptor was launched and intercepted the missile.
It was the first time the Arrow system was used since the beginning of the war with Hamas in Gaza, another Iranian proxy.
The Houthi rebels have been using Iranian-made armed drones and cruise missiles mainly against Saudi Arabia.
Israeli defence sources said that the Iranian space program is directly connected to its long-range ballistic missile program and should be an issue of great concern, similar to the country’s nuclear program.
Israel has recognized the ballistic missile threat and has developed the Arrow interceptors. While the Arrow 2 and 3 are operational, the newly developed Iranian ballistic missiles call for improved versions. Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) is now developing the Arrow 4.
The Arrow 4 will have winglets because it is designed to intercept inside the atmosphere. There was no official explanation of that capability.
The Arrow is part of Israel’s multi-tiered air defence system, which includes the Iron Dome and David’s Sling made by Rafael and the Arrow made by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).
Germany has recently signed a contract to purchase the Arrow 3 systems from Israel.
