Enhancements in the Arrow Missile Defense System Amid Iran Conflict
Israel’s Arrow ballistic missile defense system, which has been progressively refined, is increasingly pivotal as tensions continue with Iran. According to Boaz Levy, CEO of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), the company continually enhances the system’s capabilities by meticulously reviewing Iran’s airstrike operations. This analysis encompasses both individual attacks and mass assaults targeting Tel Aviv, fostering ongoing improvements in missile defense technology. The Arrow system plays a crucial role as Israel faces its third direct conflict with Iran.
Levy, who is also the chief engineer for the Arrow system, highlighted that these advancements consist of systematic “building blocks” of software improvements made after each engagement. The optimization journey began in 2024, following a surprise offensive by Tehran involving over 120 missiles and drones. A subsequent escalation occurred six months later, where more than 180 missiles were launched, with significant interception success reported during both incidents.
Operational Success and Recent Developments
Continuing from previous enhancements, Levy mentioned that several upgrades were implemented between April of the last year and the recent attacks, resulting in a more robust defense system. “We have learned valuable lessons and adapted our approach to effectively counter these threats,” he explained, emphasizing the importance of real-time learning in military technology.
Israel initiated a significant military offensive against Iranian positions starting June 13, targeting military bases and nuclear sites. In response, Iran launched approximately 500 ballistic missiles and over 1,000 drones at Israeli territory. Although Levy did not specify the number of projectiles intercepted, he confidently stated that the Arrow system successfully neutralized at least 90 percent of the incoming threats.
The Arrow Missile: A Collaborative Defense Endeavor
Developed through a collaboration between IAI and the American defense contractor Boeing, the Arrow missile family provides the Israeli Defense Forces with a sophisticated anti-ballistic missile defense solution, akin to the U.S. MIM-104 Patriot system. Originally designed in the 1990s, it first entered operational service in 2000, equipped with a warhead capable of neutralizing threats in the upper atmosphere.
An upgraded version of the Arrow emerged in 2017, designed to engage targets in space. Weighing in at 2,800 kilograms (6,173 pounds) and measuring 7 meters (23 feet) in length, with a diameter of 800 millimeters (31 inches), the missile is capable of hypersonic speeds exceeding Mach 5. Depending on its configuration, the Arrow can effectively engage targets up to 150 kilometers (93 miles) away.
