"The next surprises" revealed: The successful test that will upgrade the Arrow system
The Ministry of Defense, the IDF, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), and the American MDA have successfully completed a planned test of the Arrow system. The test evaluated capabilities against future threats, integrating combat lessons, artificial intelligence, and new technologies.
The 'Homa' (Wall) Directorate in the DDR&D of the Ministry of Defense, together with the American Missile Defense Agency (MDA), the IDF, and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), successfully conducted a pre-planned test today (Wednesday) of the 'Arrow' air defense system. The launch, part of a multi-year development and upgrade program, was carried out from a test field in the center of the country.
Over the last three years, the 'Arrow' system, utilizing 'Arrow 2' and 'Arrow 3' interceptors, has demonstrated unprecedented, world-class capabilities. It has intercepted a wide range of threats from Iran and Yemen, including ballistic missiles in space. The defense establishment continues to upgrade the system to counter evolving threats expected in the coming years.
This initiative is part of the Ministry of Defense's strategy to preserve Israel's technological superiority by developing 'the next surprises' and neutralizing future enemy threats. The success of the test marks a significant milestone in Israel's operational capability to defend itself.
The 'Arrow' system constitutes the top layer of Israel's multi-layered defense array, which also includes 'David's Sling', 'Iron Dome', and 'Or Eitan'. It features advanced 'Green Pine' and 'Great Pine' radars, a command and control system, and interceptors capable of exo-atmospheric interception at extreme altitudes.
The development and production are led by the 'Homa' Directorate, with operational use managed by the Air Force's Air Defense Array. Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) serves as the primary developer, with 'Elbit Systems', 'Tomer', 'Rafael', and the American company STARK acting as key subcontractors.
Minister of Defense Israel Katz stated:
"The 'Arrow' system test conducted today is further proof of the strength of our defense establishment and Israel's technological capabilities. The system proved itself in the war by successfully intercepting many threats from Iran and other arenas, protecting the citizens of Israel. We will continue to invest in the world's most advanced defense systems while strengthening offensive capabilities to ensure Israel's security superiority."
Director General of the Ministry of Defense, Major General (Res.) Amir Baram, noted that the test practically expresses the ministry's strategy of strengthening armament independence. He added that thanks to decisions made last year, Israel now possesses a growing stock of interceptors with constantly evolving capabilities.
Chairman of the Board of IAI, Boaz Levy, emphasized that the deep strategic partnership with Israeli and American defense agencies leads to breakthroughs that attract interest from allies worldwide. Head of the DDR&D, Dr. Danny Gold, added that the new developments rely on combat lessons and a forward-looking view to maintain Israel's relative advantage over its enemies.
