Arrow 3 Air Defence Missile System

The Arrow 3 is a U.S.-Israeli-built missile defence interceptor designed to defeat medium-range ballistic missiles. Entering service in 2017, the missile uses a hit-to-kill warhead to engage targets in space. It is the longest-range interceptor currently fielded with the Arrow Weapon System, complementing the Arrow 2, which engages targets in the upper atmosphere.

System description

The Arrow 3 interceptor interfaces with the Arrow Weapon System, which includes a launcher, ground-based radar, and battle management system. The Arrow 3 missile consists of a two-stage, solid-fueled booster with a separating kinetic kill vehicle (KV).

Smaller than the Arrow 2, the missile fits in a 21-inch vertical launch tube and has an estimated flyout range of up to 2,400 km.1 Arrow 3’s boosters and kill vehicle employ thrust vector control for manoeuvring. The interceptor also includes a deployable rear flare for added aerodynamic stability.

The Arrow 3 interceptor is part of the Arrow Weapon System (AWS) which is the world's first operational, national, stand-alone ATBM (Anti Tactical Ballistic Missiles) defence system. Based on the uniquely effective Arrow 2 and Arrow 3 interceptors, the Arrow modular air defence system detects, tracks, intercepts and destroys incoming TBMs carrying a range of warheads and over a large footprint, thereby protecting strategic assets and population centres.

The innovative Arrow 3 interceptor is designed to intercept and destroy the newest, longer-range threats, especially those carrying weapons of mass destruction.

The first successful flight test of the Arrow 3 interceptor was conducted in 2013. The second flight test was successfully completed by the Israel Ministry of Defence (MOD) and the US Missile Defense Agency (MDA) in January 2014.

An Arrow 3 battery is expected to intercept salvos of more than five ballistic missiles within 30 seconds. Arrow 3 can be launched into an area of space before it is known where the target missile is going. When the target and its course are identified, the Arrow interceptor is redirected using its thrust-vectoring nozzle to close the gap and conduct a "body-to-body" interception.

Stark Aerospace, the US-based subsidiary of IAI, delivered the first Arrow 3 missile canister in September 2018. The system weighs about half of the Arrow 2 weapon system and provides greater speed and range.

It provides hypersonic capabilities and can defend a very large area, providing comprehensive defence of strategic sites and large populated areas.

The missile system uses hit-to-kill technology to destroy incoming missiles. The missile is launched vertically and then the direction is changed towards the estimated interception point. The kill vehicle is launched once the hostile warhead is identified and the target is close enough.

Launcher details

The Arrow 3 system uses Elta’s Super Green Pine early warning and fire control radar, which operates in L-band. Elta is a subsidiary of IAI. The radar provides extended-range acquisition, as well as multi-target acquisition and tracking capabilities.

Contractors

Rafael, an Israeli defence technology company, is responsible for the design and development of the target, while Tomer provides rocket engines for the target ballistic missiles.

The Citron Tree battle management centre was developed by Elisra, a subsidiary of Elbit Systems.

Cooperation with United States

From 2008 to 2019, the United States has provided nearly $1.2B in aid for Arrow 3 development and procurement, and nearly $3.8B towards the Arrow Weapons System in total. In May 2009, the United States, during a US-Israeli strategic dialogue, pledged to fund the Arrow Weapon System development program, and in June 2009, Congress promised $37.5M toward Arrow 3 aid. In July 2010, Israel’s weapons development authority, MAFAT, and the United States Missile Defence Agency (MDA), signed an agreement for funding Arrow 3

Germany

Germany is moving ahead with its planned acquisition of the Israeli-made Arrow-3 anti-ballistic missile defence system, according to a report by The Jerusalem Post.

The announcement was made after German Chancellor Olaf Scholz met with US President Joe Biden earlier this month to discuss defence issues.

The chancellor was given approval in principle by the US to purchase the Arrow 3 missile system for 3 billion euros ($3.1 billion).

Germany’s move to import sophisticated air defence systems is fuelled by the ongoing war between Russian and Ukrainian forces.

Berlin recognizes that if Moscow turns its sights on Western Europe, its current defence capabilities may be insufficient to fend off high-powered Russian weapons.

The only missile defence system in service with the German military is the US-made Patriot, leading the government to push for the acquisition of the Arrow-3.