Arrow 3 Explained

Is Missile:yes
Arrow 3
Origin:Israel
Type:Exoatmospheric hypersonic anti-ballistic missile
Used By:Israel
Manufacturer:Israel Aerospace Industries, Boeing
Production Date:2017–present
Wars:2024 Iranian strikes in Israel
Designer:Israel Aerospace Industries
Speed:Hypersonic[1]
Engine:Two-stage
Vehicle Range:2400km[2]
Ceiling:>100km
Guidance:Inertial navigation system (INS) gimbaled seeker
Launch Platform:Rapid launch fortified underground silos

The Arrow 3 or Hetz 3 (Hebrew: חֵץ 3, pronounced as /he/) is an exoatmospheric hypersonic anti-ballistic missile, jointly funded, developed and produced by Israel and the United States. Undertaken by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Boeing, it is overseen by the Israeli Ministry of Defense's "Homa" (Hebrew: חומה, pronounced as /he/, "rampart") administration and the U.S. Missile Defense Agency. It provides exo-atmospheric interception of ballistic missiles (during the space-flight portion of their trajectory), including intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs)[3] [4] carrying nuclear, chemical, biological or conventional warheads. With divert motor capability, its kill vehicle can switch directions dramatically, allowing it to pivot to see approaching satellites. The missile's reported flight range is up to 2400km (1,500miles).[5]

According to the chairman of the Israeli Space Agency, Arrow 3 may serve as an anti-satellite weapon, which would make Israel one of the world's few countries capable of destroying orbiting satellites.

Background

In August 2008 the Israeli and United States governments began development of an upper-tier component to the Israeli Air Defense Command, known as Arrow 3, "with a kill ratio of around 99 percent".[6] The development is based on an architecture definition study conducted in 2006–2007, determining the need for the upper-tier component to be integrated into Israel's ballistic missile defense system. According to Arieh Herzog, then Director of Israel Missile Defense Organization (IMDO), the main element of this upper tier will be an exoatmospheric interceptor, to be jointly developed by IAI and Boeing.[7]

The new component will also require the integration of longer range detection, tracking and discrimination capability, beyond what the "Green Pine" and "Super Green Pine" radars employed with the Arrow 2 are providing. Among the advanced sensors considered for Israel's future multi-tier system, are airborne electro-optical sensors deployed on high flying unmanned aerial vehicles and future enhanced "Green Pine" radars, as well as the AN/TPY-2 radar already deployed in Israel, and operated by U.S. forces.[7]

The multibillion-dollar development program of the Arrow is a joint development between Israel and the United States.

Fiscal year! scope="col"
Millions of U.S. dollars
200830.0
200950.036
201058.966
201166.220
201274.700
201374.707
201474.707
201589.550
201620.0[8]
2017204.893[9]
2018310.0
201980.0
202055.0
202177.0-2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
2027-->

Development

IAI began preliminary tests of the Arrow 3 in 2011. The company will not specify what tests were performed, but they are part of the preparations for a full fly-out test.[10] On 23 January 2012, the Israeli Ministry of Defense released photographs and video of the recent successfully fly-out tests from Palmachim Airbase. During the tests, a model of the interceptor missile was launched in order to check the starting and propulsion system, as well as other tracking sensors.[11]

On 23 January 2012, IAI announced an agreement to jointly work on the Arrow 3 with Boeing.[12] Boeing is responsible for 40–50 percent of the production content of the Arrow 3. Expected work content includes motorcases, shroud, canister, safe & arm / ignition devices, power devices (batteries), and inertial navigation units, as well as several avionics packages and actuators & valves.[13]

On 25 February 2013, a fly-out test of the Arrow 3 was conducted from Palmachim Airbase. The launch tested the missile control and engines. According to a senior defense source, the missile obtained hypersonic speed, and reached an altitude of 100km (100miles), entering space. It followed various objects, such as stars, and gained further altitude. Its engine stopped after six minutes.[14]

On 3 January 2014, another successful test of the Arrow 3 was conducted from Palmachim Airbase. During the test the interceptor entered space and carried out a range of maneuvers in response to a virtual incoming enemy missile. The test involved the activation of two of the interceptor's engines, the first of which brought it into space, and the second allowing it to carry out complex maneuvers.[15]

In December 2014 a test aimed to debut an exo-atmospheric intercept capabilities of Arrow 3 has been characterized as a "no test", given that "conditions did not allow for" actual launch of the intercepting missile.[16] [17]

On 10 December 2015, Arrow 3 scored its first intercept in a complex test designed to validate how the system can detect, identify, track and then discriminate real from decoy targets delivered into space by an improved Silver Sparrow target missile.[18] According to officials, the milestone test paves the way toward low-rate initial production of the Arrow 3.[18]

On 19 February 2018, Arrow 3 flight test took place in Israel. Another test took place on 22 January 2019.[19]

In a series of tests in July 2019 at the Pacific Spaceport Complex in Kodiak, Alaska, the Arrow 3 system successfully intercepted 3 "enemy" rockets, one of them outside the atmosphere. The tests demonstrated Arrow 3's ability to intercept exo-atmospheric targets.[20] [21]

Specifications

Israel Aerospace Industries announced in June 2009, that the Arrow 3 patented[22] exoatmospheric interception method includes a two-stage interceptor, like the Arrow 2, but purely based on hit-to-kill technology.[23] Unlike most kill vehicles, which use liquid or gas propulsion, the new Israeli kill vehicle will be propelled by an ordinary solid rocket motor equipped with a thrust-vectoring nozzle. It will also be fitted with a gimbaled seeker for hemispheric coverage. By measuring the seeker's line-of-sight propagation relative to the vehicle's motion, the kill vehicle will use proportional navigation to divert its course and line up exactly with the target's flight path.[24] Joseph Hasson, chief missile designer at IAI, who patented the new kill vehicle with his colleague Galya Goldner, says that the concept is relatively simple, reliable and inexpensive, and is based on mature technologies. Furthermore, the kill vehicle's divert capability and agility reduce the need for detection and tracking systems, which usually accompany remote sensor-assisted exoatmospheric kills.[24] IAI displayed a full-sized model of the Arrow 3 missile and its kill vehicle at the June 2009 Paris Air Show.[25]

Arrow 3 should be able to intercept ballistic missiles, especially those carrying weapons of mass destruction,[26] at altitudes of over 100km (100miles),[27] and in greater ranges. It could also be ship-based.[28] Arrow 3 is faster than the Arrow 2 and slightly smaller,[24] weighing nearly half.[29]

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.[30]

Arrow 3 may have a reduced 30-year life-cycle cost. It should use the same launch system as Arrow 2.[12] In 2010 it was reported to cost $2–3 million per unit,[31] while program cost was estimated at $700–$800 million over three years.[32]

According to numerous Israeli experts, including Prof. Yitzhak Ben Yisrael, former director of the Israeli Administration for the Development of Weapons and Technological Infrastructure and currently the chairman of the Israeli Space Agency, it is also possible that the Arrow 3 could serve as an anti-satellite weapon.[33]

Production

Stark, a U.S.-based subsidiary of Israel Aerospace Industries, was chosen to manufacture canisters for the Arrow 3, and made the first delivery in September 2018.[34]

Deployment

According to Jane's Defence Weekly in 2013, a solicitation that outlines the expansion of an Israeli Air Force facility at Tal Shahar, roughly halfway between Jerusalem and Ashdod, near Beit Shemesh, indicates that almost certainly it will be used for four Arrow 3 launchers on sites cut into the surrounding hills. The estimated completion date would be around the end of 2014.[35] Each of the four launchers will have six missiles for a total of 24 interceptors.[35] The plans for the base were revealed in a routine United States Department of Defense contract solicitation.[36] Arrow 3 was declared operational on 18 January 2017.[37]

On 31 October 2023, an Arrow 2 missile intercepted a long-range ballistic missile launched at Israel from Houthis in Yemen. This marks its first operational use during a war, and its first interception of a ground to ground ballistic missile.[38] [39] Since the interception occurred outside of Earth's atmosphere, it is considered to be the first ever instance of space warfare.[40] [41] [42]

On 9 November 2023, for the first time, the Arrow 3 successfully intercepted a Houthi missile heading from Yemen to the country's southernmost city of Eilat.[43]

On 13 April 2024, Iran carried out a massive missile and drone attack, targeting major military centers in Israel. The attack was intercepted and thwarted by missile interception systems, such as the Israeli Arrow 3 system,[44] with the cooperation of the United States, Jordan, the United Kingdom and France on 14 April 2024.[45]

Exports

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Lappin . Yaakov . 25 February 2013 . Israel successfully tests Arrow 3 missile defense . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230321143139/https://www.jpost.com/Defense/Israel-successfully-tests-Arrow-3-missile-defense . 21 March 2023 . The Jerusalem Post.
  2. Web site: 31 October 2022 . Israel and Germany discuss with US for acquisition of Arrow 3 air defense missile systems . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230209070130/https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_october_2022_global_security_army_industry/israel_and_germany_discuss_with_us_for_acquisition_of_arrow_3_air_defense_missile_systems.html . 9 February 2023 . 26 March 2023 . Army Recognition.
  3. Web site: 20 January 2017 . Israel Introduces Arrow-3 Missile Interceptor System . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230321143134/https://www.spacedaily.com/reports/Defending_from_Outer_Space_Israel_Introduces_Arrow_3_Missile_Interceptor_System_999.html . 21 March 2023 . Space Daily . Sputnik News.
  4. Web site: 16 July 2021 . Arrow 3 (Israel) . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240114170452/https://missilethreat.csis.org/defsys/arrow-3/ . 14 January 2024 . Missile Threat - CSIS Missile Defense Project.
  5. Foss . Christopher . O’Halloran . James . Jane's Information Group. Land Warfare Platforms: Artillery and Air Defence 2012–13. Arrow Weapon System. 692–695.
  6. Web site: January 2010 . Israel Missile Chronology . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20231030175112/https://www.nti.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/israel_missile.pdf . 30 October 2023 . 3 April 2012 . Nuclear Threat Initiative . PDF.
  7. Web site: Israel, U.S. to embark on collaborative 'upper-tier' missile intercept program to include Arrow 3 and land-based SM-3 missiles . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20180216025142/http://defense-update.com/products/a/arrow3.html . 16 February 2018 . 19 August 2009 . Defense Update.
  8. Web site: Sharp . Jeremy M. . 22 December 2016 . CRS report for Congress: U.S. foreign aid to Israel . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230221201922/https://www.everycrsreport.com/files/20161222_RL33222_38d8a59f2caabdc9af8a6cdabfabb963ae8b63ae.pdf . 21 February 2023 . 9 March 2018 . www.everycrsreport.com.
  9. Web site: Sharp . Jeremy M. . 16 November 2020 . CRS report for Congress: U.S. foreign aid to Israel . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240121224426/https://sgp.fas.org/crs/mideast/RL33222.pdf . 21 January 2024 . 12 December 2020 . Federation of American Scientists.
  10. Web site: Egozi . Arie . 2 August 2011 . Arrow-3: a totally different layer of protection . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20121105141856/http://www.flightglobal.com/blogs/ariel-view/2011/08/arrow-3-a-totally-different-protection-layer.html . 5 November 2012 . 4 August 2011 . FlightGlobal.
  11. Web site: 24 January 2012 . Defense Ministry conducts first test of 'Arrow 3' system . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20150924044358/http://www.idf.il/1283-14659-EN/Dover.aspx . 24 September 2015 . 24 January 2012 . Israel Defense Forces.
  12. Web site: Alon . Ben David . Alon Ben David . Boeing links up with IAI on Arrow-3 . . 26 January 2012 . 27 January 2012 . 19 December 2013 . https://web.archive.org/web/20131219203019/http://www.aviationweek.com/Article.aspx?id=%2Farticle-xml%2Fasd_01_26_2012_p01-02-418074.xml . dead .
  13. Web site: March 2008 . Arrow II brochure . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20100206031725/http://www.boeing.com/defense-space/space/arrow/docs/Arrow_overview.pdf . 6 February 2010 . 19 August 2009 . Boeing.
  14. Web site: Lappin . Yaakov . 25 February 2013 . Israel successfully tests Arrow 3 missile defense . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230321143139/https://www.jpost.com/Defense/Israel-successfully-tests-Arrow-3-missile-defense . 21 March 2023 . 25 February 2013 . The Jerusalem Post.
  15. Web site: Lappin . Yaakov . 3 January 2014 . Defense Ministry: Missile shield system passes 2nd flight test . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20231120204558/https://www.jpost.com/Defense/Defense-Ministry-Missile-shield-system-passes-2nd-flight-test-337002 . 20 November 2023 . 3 January 2014 . The Jerusalem Post.
  16. Web site: Opall-Rome . Barbara . 17 December 2014 . 'No Test' declared for Arrow-3 interceptor . live . https://archive.today/20240123152104/https://www.defensenews.com/global/mideast-africa/2014/12/17/no-test-declared-for-arrow-3-interceptor/ . 23 January 2024 . 19 December 2014 . Defense News.
  17. Web site: Amouyal . Noa . 25 February 2015 . Israel DM: glitch in Arrow 2 missile fixed . live . https://archive.today/20240123152107/https://www.defensenews.com/land/2015/02/25/israel-dm-glitch-in-arrow-2-missile-fixed/ . 23 January 2024 . 27 February 2015 . Defense News.
  18. Web site: Opall-Rome . Barbara . 10 December 2015 . US-Israel Arrow-3 intercepts target in space . live . https://archive.today/20240123152209/https://www.defensenews.com/air/2015/12/10/us-israel-arrow-3-intercepts-target-in-space/ . 23 January 2024 . 10 December 2015 . Defense News.
  19. Web site: 22 January 2019 . Israel touts successful test of Arrow-3 missile interceptor . live . https://archive.today/20240123152233/https://www.defensenews.com/global/mideast-africa/2019/01/22/israel-touts-successful-test-of-arrow-3-missile-interceptor/ . 23 January 2024 . 23 January 2019 . . Associated Press.
  20. News: Judson . Jen . 28 July 2019 . US, Israel's Arrow-3 missile put to the test in Alaska . live . https://archive.today/20240123152322/https://www.defensenews.com/pentagon/2019/07/28/us-israels-arrow-3-missile-put-to-the-test-in-alaska/ . 23 January 2024 . 29 July 2019 . Defense News . en.
  21. News: Ahronheim . Anna . 29 July 2019 . Israel, U.S. carry out successful test of Arrow-3 missile over Alaska . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20231220114240/https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/israel-us-carry-out-successful-test-of-arrow-3-missile-over-alaska-596979 . 20 December 2023 . 29 July 2019 . The Jerusalem Post . en.
  22. Hasson . Joseph . Goldner . Galia . Exo atmospheric intercepting system and method . 2006-01-12 . 2006003660 . WO. .
  23. Web site: 10 June 2009 . IAI develops Arrow 3 interceptor in response to longer range threats . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20111220020347/http://www.iai-global.com/32981-39666-en/default.aspx?PageNum=2 . 20 December 2011 . 19 August 2009 . Israel Aerospace Industries.
  24. Web site: Eshel . David . 8 February 2010 . Israel upgrades its antimissile plans . subscription . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230321144638/https://aviationweek.com/israel-upgrades-its-antimissile-plans . 21 March 2023 . 13 February 2010 . Aviation Week.
  25. Web site: Richardson . Doug . 9 July 2009 . IAI exhibits full-size Arrow 3 at Paris . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20090829075208/http://www.janes.com:80/news/defence/systems/jmr/jmr090709_1_n.shtml . 29 August 2009 . 23 September 2009 . Janes.
  26. Web site: Arrow 3 brochure . . 25 March 2012 . 20 March 2013 . https://web.archive.org/web/20130320013324/http://www.iai.co.il/sip_storage/FILES/7/38867.pdf . dead .
  27. News: Ben-Yishai . Ron . 8 July 2008 . US to help Israel develop Arrow-3 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230929111205/https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3579000,00.html . 29 September 2023 . 19 August 2009 . . Ron Ben-Yishai.
  28. News: Arrow 3: The new generation . Ynetnews . Hanan . Greenberg . 27 May 2010 . 27 May 2010 . https://web.archive.org/web/20100529025928/http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0%2C7340%2CL-3894808%2C00.html . 29 May 2010 . live .
  29. Web site: Iran threat speeds Arrow-3 effort . https://archive.today/20130121114610/http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=4548013&c=FEA&s=SPE . dead . 21 January 2013 . . Barbara . Opall-Rome . 22 March 2010 . 22 March 2010.
  30. Web site: Fulghum . David . 3 September 2012 . Higher-altitude Arrow design to show its potential . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20130501211549/http://www.aviationweek.com/Article.aspx?id=/article-xml/AW_09_03_2012_p40-490727.xml . 1 May 2013 . 3 September 2012 . Aviation Week.
  31. News: 15 November 2010 . Eyeing Iran, Israel slates missile shield for 2015 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230818125228/https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3985020,00.html . 18 August 2023 . Ynet news . Reuters.
  32. Web site: 7 September 2008 . Israel Asks US to Support Arrow-3 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230605195011/https://defense-update.com/20080907_us-support-arrow-3.html . 5 June 2023 . Defense Update.
  33. Web site: Opall-Rome . Barbara . Israeli Experts: Arrow-3 Could Be Adapted for Anti-Satellite Role . SpaceNews . 9 November 2009.
  34. Web site: 7 September 2018 . First Arrow-3 anti-ballistic missile canister delivered to IAI . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20180907141305/http://www.defenseworld.net/news/23311/First_Arrow_3_Anti_Ballistic_Missile_Canister_Delivered_To_IAI#.W5J77kYzZPY . 7 September 2018 . 7 September 2018 . Defense World.
  35. Web site: Binnie . Jeremy . 2013 . Israeli BMD facility details revealed . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230321143133/https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7443/8910085466_b8037e498f_o.jpg . 21 March 2023 . Jane's Information Group.
  36. News: Frenkel . Sheera . 3 June 2013 . U.S. publishes details of missile base Israel wanted kept secret . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20140104203911/http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/06/03/3431313/us-publishes-details-of-missile.html . 4 January 2014 . Miami Herald.
  37. News: Heller . Jeffrey . 18 January 2017 . Israel deploys 'Star Wars' missile killer system . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20231201180442/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-israel-missiles-idUSKBN15229U/ . 1 December 2023 . 18 January 2017 . Reuters.
  38. Web site: Fabian . Emanuel . 31 October 2023 . Red Sea long-range missile intercepted by Arrow system — IDF . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20231031130141/https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/red-sea-long-range-missile-intercepted-by-arrow-system-idf/ . 31 October 2023 . 31 October 2023 . The Times of Israel . en-US.
  39. Web site: 31 October 2023 . Israel uses 'Arrow' aerial defense system for first time in war to intercept missile . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20231031131637/https://english.alarabiya.net/News/middle-east/2023/10/31/Israel-s-army-says-intercepted-surface-to-surface-missile-fired-from-Red-Sea-region . 31 October 2023 . 31 October 2023 . Al Arabiya.
  40. Web site: 6 November 2023 . Israel downing Houthi missile is first instance of space warfare . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240121193604/https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-771910 . 21 January 2024 . The Jerusalem Post.
  41. Web site: Krishnasai . C . 1 November 2023 . Israel shows its air prowess, uses Arrow 3 ‘missile-killer’ for first time to intercept Houthi rockets . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20231201181613/https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-shows-its-airprowess-uses-arrow-3-missile-killer-for-first-time-to-intercept-houthi-rockets-654011 . 1 December 2023 . WION.
  42. Web site: Fabian . Emanuel . 31 October 2023 . In first, Arrow downs Eilat-bound missile from ‘Red Sea area’; Houthis claim attack . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20231122000531/https://www.timesofisrael.com/in-first-arrow-system-used-to-down-missile-from-red-sea-houthis-claim-uav-attack/ . 22 November 2023 . The Times of Israel.
  43. Web site: Fabian . Emanuel . 9 November 2023 . Israel’s Arrow 3 has made its 1st-ever interception, downing likely Yemen-fired missile . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20231116120156/https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/israels-arrow-3-has-made-its-1st-ever-interception-downing-likely-yemen-fired-missile/ . 16 November 2023 . The Times of Israel.
  44. News: Rothwell . James . 2024-04-13 . The Shahed drone: Iran’s low-cost but deadly weapon of choice . 2024-04-14 . The Telegraph . en-GB . 0307-1235.
  45. News: Rothwell . James . 2024-04-13 . The Shahed drone: Iran’s low-cost but deadly weapon of choice . 2024-04-14 . The Telegraph . en-GB . 0307-1235.
  46. Web site: 4 October 2021 . Azerbaijan may purchase Hetz 3 anti-ballistic missile system from Israel . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230321150142/https://aze.media/azerbaijan-may-purchase-hetz-3-anti-ballistic-missile-system-from-israel/ . 21 March 2023 . aze.media.
  47. News: Germany mulls purchase of Israel's Arrow 3 anti-ballistic missile system . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230331191132/https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/germany-mulls-purchase-of-israels-arrow-3-anti-ballistic-missile-system/ . 31 March 2023 . 27 March 2022 . The Times of Israel . en-US.
  48. Web site: 14 June 2023 . 'Arrow 3'-System - Raketen-Abwehrschirm aus Israel soll Deutschland schützen . 'Arrow 3' system - missile defense shield from Israel is intended to protect Germany . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20230621074032/https://www.deutschlandfunk.de/raketen-abwehrschirm-aus-israel-soll-deutschland-schuetzen-100.html . 21 June 2023 . 13 June 2023 . Die Nachrichten . de.
  49. Web site: Heiming . Gerhard . 26 June 2023 . Bundestag billigt Beschaffung von Raketenabwehrsystem Arrow 3 . Bundestag approves procurement of Arrow 3 missile defense system . subscription . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230628013040/https://esut.de/2023/06/meldungen/42830/bundestag-billigt-beschaffung-von-raketenabwehrsystem-arrow-3/ . 28 June 2023 . 26 June 2023 . esut.de . de-DE.
  50. News: 17 August 2023 . USA billigen Verkauf von Arrow 3 an Deutschland . USA approves the sale of Arrow 3 to Germany . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230824081644/https://www.spiegel.de/ausland/usa-billigen-verkauf-von-arrow-3-an-deutschland-a-7976df9b-0643-4d35-8a03-54024c631e0b . 24 August 2023 . 17 August 2023 . Der Spiegel . de . 2195-1349.
  51. News: Brown . Benjamin . 17 August 2023 . Israel says US approves record-breaking Arrow missile defense deal to Germany . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230825015808/https://edition.cnn.com/2023/08/17/world/israel-us-germany-arrow-missile-defense-deal-intl/index.html . 25 August 2023 . 17 August 2023 . CNN.