Israel Deploys Arrow Missile Defense System for the First Time in Ongoing Conflict

The Israeli Defense Forces have employed the Arrow missile defense system for the first time to strike Hamas targets since the commencement of hostilities.

The announcement was made via the official social media channels of the Israeli Air Force, highlighting a successful interception of a surface-to-surface missile originating from the Red Sea. The Arrow missile defense system, a collaborative endeavor between Israeli Aerospace Industries and Boeing, is designed to intercept ballistic targets and is considered a critical asset in Israel's national defense.

The Arrow system effectively tracked the trajectory of the incoming missile and engaged it at the "most appropriate operational time and place." In a coordinated response, Israeli fighter jets were dispatched to the area to neutralize other detected enemy threats.

The Arrow missile defense system comprises Arrow 2 and Arrow 3 hypersonic anti-ballistic missiles, along with advanced radar systems like Elta EL/M-2080 Green Pine and Golden Citron early warning radars. Notably, the Arrow system is a high-cost venture, with the total development and production expenses originally forecasted at approximately $1.6 billion.

Each Arrow missile carries an estimated price tag of $3 million, and between 1989 and 2007, the Arrow program received an investment of about $2.4 billion, with 50-80 percent of this funding provided by the United States. Furthermore, Israel contributes around $65 million annually to support the program.

The Arrow missile defense system had its inaugural successful interception on March 17, 2017, when it intercepted an S-200 missile.

Recent reports suggest that Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) will assist Germany in integrating the Arrow 3 missile defense system into Europe's unified air defense network.