BICOM

Israel’s Defence Ministry announced this morning that a successful test has been completed of the Arrow 3 missile interceptor, designed to provide additional protection against long-range missiles.

In a statement, the Defence Ministry said that the first flight test “was conducted at an Israeli test range over the Mediterranean Sea,” in conjunction with the US Missile Defence Agency. The statement described the test as a “major milestone in the development of the Arrow 3 Weapon System.” It was reported by Ynet that the test began at 8 am, when the missile was launched from the Palmachim Air Base. It reportedly held altitude for six minutes and performed various manoeuvres, as programmed. The test was a review of the system’s capability and not a missile interception test.

The Arrow 3 is thought to be among the most advanced missile detection systems in the world. The Defence Ministry said that the test “provides further confidence in future Israeli defence capabilities to defeat the developing ballistic missile threat.” Alongside the Iron Dome, Arrow 2 and David’s Sling systems, the Arrow 3 is part of Israel’s layered aerial defence system, which is being developed in coordination with the United States. The Iron Dome defence system, which was widely deployed during Operation Pillar of Defence in November, provides protection from short and mid-range ballistic threats, typically from Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Meanwhile, other surface-to-air interceptors including Arrow 3 are designed to counter the threat of longer-range missiles. Together, these systems aim to provide Israel with a protective umbrella to counter all forms of ballistic threats.