Israel Tests Upgraded Arrow Missile Defense System Incorporating Lessons from War with Iran

Israel has successfully tested an upgraded version of the Arrow ballistic missile defense system.

The test launch was conducted at a test range in central Israel, according to European Security & Defence.

The upgraded system incorporates combat experience gained during the interception of Iranian ballistic missile attacks and strikes launched from Yemen.

The Arrow 2 and Arrow 3 systems form the upper tier of Israel’s multilayered air defense architecture, operating alongside the Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Iron Beam systems.

The Arrow 2 is designed to intercept ballistic missiles in the upper atmosphere at ranges of up to 100 km and altitudes of up to 50 km. The interceptor can reach speeds of up to Mach 9.

Arrow 3 is designed to conduct exoatmospheric interceptions of ballistic targets in space at ranges of up to 2,400 km and altitudes above 100 km.

Target detection and tracking are provided by Green Pine and Super Green Pine radars, which can detect objects at ranges of up to 500–900 km.

During the tests, new technologies were integrated into the system, including elements of artificial intelligence and automated control.

The Israeli Ministry of Defense stated that the upgrades are aimed at countering emerging threats and strengthening the country’s technological advantage.

Alongside the modernization effort, Israel is also ramping up serial production of Arrow interceptors to replenish its missile stocks.

The Israeli military, together with Rafael, has also successfully completed a series of tests of the Iron Dome air defense system, incorporating combat experience gained during the war with Iran.

The tests assessed upgrades intended to enable the system to intercept cruise missiles and UAVs, as well as its ability to counter massed attacks.