The initiative was advanced by Defense Minister Israel Katz and Ministry Director General Amir Baram, with a formal agreement to be signed shortly. Officials said the move builds on ongoing efforts by Israel’s defense industries to expand output under government directives.
The Arrow system, developed jointly with the U.S. Missile Defense Agency, is designed to intercept ballistic missiles at exo-atmospheric and upper-atmospheric altitudes. It has demonstrated its capabilities during the current conflict by intercepting missiles launched from Iran and Yemen.
Production of the system involves multiple Israeli defense companies, led by Israel Aerospace Industries as the prime contractor. Additional contributors include Elbit Systems, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and other industry partners.
“The large-scale acceleration of Arrow interceptor production is already driving a significant increase in monthly output, strengthening Israel’s upper defense layer against ballistic threats from Iran and its proxies,” Katz said. “Israel has sufficient interceptors to protect its citizens, and this initiative is designed to ensure continued freedom of action and the sustained operational endurance we require.”
Katz added that Israel remains prepared to continue operations as needed. “The Ayatollah regime should know: Israel is resilient and strong, prepared to sustain the campaign for as long as necessary, and continues to enhance its defensive and offensive capabilities while fighting,” he said.
Baram said the Ministry has intensified efforts to expand production across its multi-layered defense systems. He noted that these measures have accelerated during Operation Roaring Lion.
“Over the past year – and with greater intensity since Operation Roaring Lion – the IMOD has been operating on an emergency footing to increase production rates across our multi-layered defense systems, first and foremost the Arrow,” Baram said. “The proactive steps we took early on, together with the defense industries, are what give the IDF its sustained operational endurance today.”
Baram added that the committee’s approval will support continued readiness. “The Committee’s approval will allow us to fund the measures already underway and strengthen readiness for the months ahead,” he said.
Daniel Gold, head of the Directorate of Defense Research and Development, said the Arrow system remains central to Israel’s defense architecture. He emphasized the importance of scaling production in response to operational demands.
“The Arrow system forms the upper layer of Israel’s multi-layered air and missile defense array and has demonstrated outstanding performance against missiles from Iran and Yemen in recent years,” Gold said. “Accelerating production and expanding procurement of Arrow interceptors is a vital step in maintaining the IDF’s qualitative edge and reinforcing the defense of Israel’s civilian and military home front.”
Gold added that broader production increases are underway. “DDR&D has tasked the defense industries with increasing capabilities and production rates across all of the IDF’s strategic munitions – defensive and offensive alike – as a clear lesson of this war,” he said.
Boaz Levy, president and CEO of Israel Aerospace Industries, said current threats underscore the importance of advanced missile defense systems. He highlighted the role of the Arrow 3 interceptor in addressing high-altitude threats.
“With Israel in the midst of Operation Roaring Lion and facing an active ballistic threat, the need for Arrow 3 – capable of high-altitude interception with precise, advanced, and highly reliable technology – has become more evident than ever,” Levy said. “The knowledge and expertise accumulated at IAI, combined with the around-the-clock dedication and professionalism our people have shown, converge at the moment when technology, people, and national mission come together.”
Levy said the company will continue supporting national defense efforts. “We will continue to stand at the forefront, strengthen Israel’s security, and ensure its citizens have the best and most advanced protection in the world,” he said.
