IMDO and MDA Successfully Complete 1st Arrow-3 Ballistic Missile Defense Engagement

The Israel Missile Defense Organization (IMDO) of the Directorate of Defense Research and Development (DDR&D) and the U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA) conducted a successful first engagement of a ballistic missile target with the Arrow-3 interceptor on December 10, 2015. This test was conducted from an Israeli test range and was led by the Israeli Air Force and the Israeli Aerospace Industries (IAI).

A target was launched and detected by radars, which transferred tracking information to the Battle Management Control (BMC) system. The BMC system analyzed tracking data and planned the interception. After the interception solution was calculated, the Arrow-3 interceptor was successfully launched.

The Arrow-3 interceptor performed its planned trajectory and engaged the low-debris target in the exoatmosphere according to plan. Preliminary analysis indicates that test objectives were successfully achieved.

The Arrow-3 interceptor is a central part of Israel's multi-layer defense array and will serve as the uppermost layer. The other layers of defense are: Iron Dome System (operational), David's Sling Weapon System (in its last phase before being deployed operationally), the Arrow-2 (operational) and Arrow 3 (under development).

This successful test is a major milestone in the development of the Arrow Weapon System and provides confidence in future Israeli capabilities to defeat the developing threats. Additional Arrow-3 interceptor tests are planned in the future to demonstrate capability prior to becoming operational.

The primary contractor for the integration and development of the Arrow Weapon System is MLM of IAI, jointly with Elta a subsidiary of IAI. Boeing is partnered with MLM to develop and produce Arrow 3. Elbit, a subsidiary of Elisra, developed the BMC system. The target missile was developed by Rafael.