Successful Arrow-3 BMD Engagement
The Israel Missile Defence Organisation (IMDO) of the Directorate of Defence Research and Development (DDR&D) and the US Missile Defence Agency (MDA) conducted a successful first engagement of a ballistic missile target with the Arrow-3 interceptor late 2015. This test was conducted from an Israeli test range and was led by the Israeli Air Force and Israeli Aerospace Industries (IAI). A target was launched and detected by radars, which transferred tracking information to the Battle Management Control (BMC) system. The BMC system analysed tracking data and planned the interception. After the interception solution was calculated, the Arrow-3 interceptor was successfully launched. The Arrow-3 interceptor performed its planned trajectory and engaged the low-debris target in the exoatmosphere according to plan. Preliminary analysis indicates that test objectives were successfully achieved.
The Arrow-3 interceptor is a central part of Israel’s multi-layer defence array and will serve as the uppermost layer. The other layers of defence are: Iron Dome System (operational), David’s Sling Weapon System (in its last phase before being deployed operationally), the Arrow-2 (operational) and Arrow 3 (under development). This successful test is a major milestone in the development of the Arrow Weapon System and provides confidence in future Israeli capabilities to defeat the developing threats. Additional Arrow-3 interceptor tests are planned in the future to demonstrate capability prior to becoming operational.
The primary contractor for the integration and development of the Arrow Weapon System is IAI MLM, jointly with IAI Elta. Boeing is partnered with MLM to develop and produce Arrow 3. Elbit, a subsidiary of Elisra, developed the BMC system. The target missile was developed by Rafael.