The Israel Missile Defense Organization (IMDO), in the Directorate of Defense Research and Development of the Israel Ministry of Defense, and the U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA) have begun the development of the Arrow 4 interceptor. Arrow 4 will be the next generation of endo-exoatmospheric interceptors for the Arrow Weapon System, which today consists of Arrow 2 and Arrow 3 interceptors.
Arrow 4 will be an advanced, innovative interceptor missile with enhanced capabilities. It will address a wide range of evolving threats in the region and will replace the Arrow 2 interceptors over the coming decades. IMDO and MDA are leading the effort, with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) as the prime contractor for the development and production of the system and its interceptors.
MDA Director Vice Adm. Jon Hill said, “Arrow 4 is a cooperative program between MDA and IMDO that illustrates U.S. commitment to assisting the government of Israel in upgrading its national missile defense capability to defend the state of Israel from emerging threats.”
IMDO Director Moshe Patel said, “We are starting the development of the Arrow 4 system at a symbolic time – 30 years after the Gulf War, which led to the establishment of the IMDO and started joint Israel-U.S.
“missile defense cooperation. Over the last three decades, we have developed one of the most advanced missile defense arrays in the world, built of four combat proven operational layers.
“These capabilities are being constantly improved against emerging threats, Arrow 4 will have outstanding flight and interception capabilities, and continue to ensure the security of the State of Israel.”
The Arrow Weapon System (AWS) is a major element of Israel’s multi-layered missile defense array. AWS includes advanced radar systems, a battle management center (BMC) system, and launch array. Arrow 2 has been operational since the year 2000 providing endo-exoatmospheric defense.
Arrow 3, an exoatmospheric missile defense system, was delivered for operational use in 2017. It serves as the upper layer of Israel’s multi-tier missile defense array. Over the past few years, both of the interceptors were upgraded, and demonstrated excellent capabilities during successful tests held in Israel and in Alaska.
