Successful Arrow 3 missile test – Israel’s most advanced Missile defense system intended for outer space interception – conducted in Kodiak Island, Alaska. The test was done jointly by the Israeli missile defense authority (called “Homa”) and the US Missile defense authority (MDA). The drill lasted for 10 days total during which it successfully did 3 successful interceptions in outer space. The interceptions were done at the highest altitude ever for an Arrow missile, or frankly, for any Israeli missile defense system, ever. Although the exact height is classified

What is the Arrow 3 and what is it intended for

The Arrow 3 missile is part of the Arrow missile system project and most advanced and fastest interceptor of its kind in Israel’s missile defense Arsenal. It’s specifically designed to intercept the more advanced Iranian missiles in outer space, some not even developed yet, like splitting missiles or nuclear tipped. Splitting missiles are when it’s warhead splits up into multiple mini warheads but only one of them is actually the warhead and the rest decoy’s. The Arrow 3 is supposed to intercept the splitting missile BEFORE it actually splits up. And nuclear or chemical tipped missiles, by intercepting them in outer space, ensures any fallout from the missile burns up in space. Additionally, by intercepting in outer space, it allows for a second interception attempt if the first one misses.

Splitting or nuclear missiles don’t exist yet in Iran’s arsenal but it’s certainly the direction they are going. In this sense, Israel’s defense establishment is thinking and behaving like fortune 500 companies by foreseeing future threats and acting even and if it is not clear, at least at the preliminary stages, how to fund it.

The tests were done by IDF operators and reps from all participating defense companies in developing it.  IAI is the lead manufacturer along with Rafael, “Tomer” and Boeing whom made the interceptor missile itself, Elbit who make the fire control system and radar, in addition to others.  The mock missiles used in the tests were air launched Sparrow missiles by Rafael which is the missile normally used in these tests. They are made especially for the Arrow tests, although in the meantime became operation and even exported! They were launched by an IAF jet brought especially for tests to Alaska.

The Radar used in the drill was the US radar AN\TPY2 in X wave band and NOT the designated Arrow 3 radar – “Magnificent Pine”. The US radar was NOT used because the Israeli Radar cannot see Non line of sight or space threats, but to see how well the Arrow 3 integrates into outside systems. The reason being in case there is a malfunction or jamming in the Israeli radar, the US radar can back it up. Despite the general rule that foreign soldiers are never stationed on Israel soil, there actually is an AN\TPY2 operated by US forces in Israel, in Mount Keren in southern Israel.

The Test was done in Alaska because of the small size and over crowdedness of Israel and limitations that come with it. For example in 2017 there were two failed Arrow 3 tests in Israel. One was cancelled because of a malfunction in the communication systems, but the other was because the target missile steered of course. When a missile steers of course in tests, it can interfere in civilian flight paths, falling debris can pose a safety risk and the test “booms” cause panic.

Off course, when a real Iranian missile will be headed towards Israel’s, the only “safety” consideration is preventing the missile from landing. Then, off course, these safety considerations become irrelevant. But in peaceful times, it’s better to bother civilian life the least as possible. Fortunately, Alaska doesn’t have overcrowding or space limitation and at most a few grizzlies will be rattled by the noise…

The Highest level in Israel multi layer shield

Arrow 3 missile defense is part of Israels multi layered missile defense shield which includes 5 layers. Arrow3 missile is the top tier being and beneath is Arrow 2 meant to intercept the older scud B and C; The third is David’s Sling for tactical 40-400 KM range missiles and cruise missiles; the fourth is the famous Iron Dome for short range rockets up to 40 km; and lowest level is Iron Beam laser meant for very short range mortars.

Difference from the Arrow 2

Almost all of the Arrow 3 missiles parts are different from the Arrow 2. Its smaller, shorter and weighs about half of the Arrow but faster and more powerful. How is that? One reason is because it’s Exoatmospheric and the trajectory path of the enemy missile is much easier to calculate for successful interception because it outer space there are no winds, air pockets, turbulences and etc. And because of that, Arrow 3 engineers could remove the explosives from the war head, thus reducing its total weight, and make the interception method “hit to Kill”. That means the Arrow 3 will intercept the incoming missile physically, meaning actual steel to steel, unlike the more conventional “Blast fragmentation”. Blast Fragmentation is where the interceptors warhead are filled with explosives  and which detonate when the missile is in extreme proximity to the enemy missile.

The engineers also didn’t add fins to the Arrow 3 like Arrow 2 because there is no aerodynamic maneuvering in outer space. And also unlike the Arrow 2, the Arrow 3 doesn’t have radar INSIDE the missile. By making all these changes, the engineers of Arrow 3 succeeded in reducing its weight in about half making it smaller and faster than the Arrow 2.

In this sense, Arrow 3 is a like a motor cycle going faster than a truck which is equivalent to the Arrow 2 despite it being larger and more powerful. How? A higher engine/HP to frame ratio- meaning, its engine, even if a little smaller than the truck, needs to carry MUCH less weight hence is faster.

The mini satellite Kill Vehicle Warhead

The Arrow 3 missile is two stage missiles and powers itself with solid rocket fuel and thrusters. The First stage booster takes the Arrow 3 to great heights at great speed. When it enter space the first stage separates from the War head, called Kill Vehicle (KV) and which actually looks and behaves more like a mini satellite or space. Then the KV maneuvers itself towards the target.

Also the 2 other main space interceptors today, the US SM3 and THAAD, have a KV’s which do the actual interception. However, the Arrow 3’s KV is more maneuverable Because it uses a thrust vector Nozzle which means uses air on the sides to maneuver itself towards the warhead. The Solid fuel in only on the bottom to push itself forward. The KV’s of the other two interceptors’ uses fuel on all sides to “push” the KV in space. By having more fuel at the bottom means the Arrow 3 KV can GO faster towards the war head, especially if there are unexpected interception location problems. The other interceptors solved it by adding a another stage to their interceptors which can get it closer to the incoming threat before the KV is released. However that means they are much more expensive. That gives the Arrow 3 a huge advantage as war economics is not only a matter of saving money, but an actual parameter of how GOOD system is and hence winning the war.

History – the idea  

The actual idea for the original Arrow missile and father of the Arrow 3, the Arrow 1, was developed to answer the growing threat of Ballistic missiles Israel faced in the late 80’s early 90’s. Its roots were in 1985 when Israel joined “stars wars” project. The specific idea for the Arrow started floating around Israel’s defense industry establishment in the late 80’s and because of the Iran Iraq war. During the war, both sides hurled at each other’s cities massive salvos ballistic missiles. Israel’s defense establishment understood that a real potential threat was there.

Watershed moment – first gulf war

Then came the first gulf war which was the real watershed moment for the Arrow. During the war Saddam Hussein tried to break the global coalition against him by firing dozens of missiles at Israel. The war showed that with all due respect to deterrence, sometimes that is not enough. There are situations it’s worth for Israel’s enemies to shoot on her missiles and deterrence alone isn’t enough.

The only defense Israel had against those missiles was the US Patriot system. The Patriot was actually the US’s lead Anti-Aircraft system which was transformed to the world’s first missile defense systems. Whether is succeeded in intercepting most of the scuds fired at Israel or not in the first gulf war or not is unclear until today. What is not controversial is that as a whole the system did poorly as too many missiles fell through.

What was a general idea til then for a cool science fiction system before the gulf war became a real need after it. So after the war full thrusters were ignitedto develop such a system. The concept was proven technologically in 92 and it went through a series of test in 92,93 and 95 and it 2000 it became operational. The Arrow 1 eventually turned into a test missile and then the Arrow 2 was developed which eventually became Israel’s lead Missile defense system against ballistic missiles.

 A new idea for a missile for new kinds of threats

Engineers at IAI started floating the idea of a new Arrow version around 2004, which will intercept missiles in outer space. The idea, bizarre at the time, came up as it was clear Iran was shooting for better, more dangerous, faster, longer range, splitting and nuclear missiles off course. To be sure, the arrow 2 could intercept all the missiles Iran had at the time day. But they wanted to prepare Israel for the newer missile threats against Israel which Iran was planning.

At first Israel was considering protecting its upper tier with the SM-3, the only other missile with outer space interception capabilities. THAAD was never actually a candidate as it’s capabilities are only slightly better than the Arrow 2. A joint US and Israel committee was created to study which option was better – developing the Arrow 3 or acquiring the SM-3. US also experts claim the system was “risky” as the technology planned was extremely ambitious and might drive costs through the roof. However the Israeli MOD eventually decided in favor of developing the Arrow-3 also because of its more advanced planned capabilities, eventual cost and to preserve its industrial base. It takes years to develop such systems and accumulate the know how and dismantling the production line poses a real strategic threat for Israel.

2008 development starts

In 2008 the concept became a reality and IAI started developing the Arrow 3 missile. IAI became the lead manufacturer later joined the other major defense manufacturers – Elbit, Rafael, IMI, Elta (both today owned by Elbit), and also Boeing. The Israeli Air Force, the eventual end user of the Arrow 3, were also heavily in the development. However, since 80% of the funding came from the US, 50% of the production would be in the US, including many parts designed by the Israeli companies. That on its own is a “breakthrough” as Israeli defense companies normally at each other’s throats for lucrative foreign defense contracts. However, in this project, “we are all Israeli and this system is defending our homes. We know when to collaborate and when to compete when needed. That is what separates Israeli defense companies from others” says Boaz levy, VP of missile division at IAI.

The first live test was in 2013, and in 2015 it succeeded in making its first interception in outer space. Every separate part of the system is also tested, literally, dozens of times, separately. In 2017 the Arrow 3 officially became operational and now the test succeeded in integrating into outside systems.

And now a new idea…Arrow 4

And like we mentioned on top, Israel’s MOD is behaving like a visionary fortune 500 company and because of that now there is already talk about…Arrow 4. That, despite the fact that the threats Arrow 3 were made for Iran doesn’t even have yet. According to all reliable sources it doesn’t have splitting warheads or nukes that need to be intercepted in Space. So the Arrow 4 is designed for threats Iran may have in 15 years…

Is defense the only protection against Iran’s nukes?

But is covering Israel with missile walls really Israels solution for Israel against Iran’s nuclear weapons? NO!! Missile defense on its own is NOT the only solution. Cause if just one missile penetrates it can be the end for most of Israel’s population. And doesn’t matter how good these missile defense systems are – they don’t close the sky hermetically. Eventually one missile will penetrate. Just like doesn’t matter how much Iron Dome is improved, occasionally a missile gets through. Israel needs, and has, extreme offensive capabilities also. . Or more like offensive deterrence. Capabilities Iran and others should know and do know Israel will use with utter destructiveness against anybody whom really dared to shoot on her nukes. But Just like in basketball, any strategy in winning doesn’t rely on offense alone to win, here too the answer is twofold – offense and defense. The combination of both eventually causes Israel’s enemies to lose motivation. It probably already did as Israel is already developing defense against missiles Iran doesn’t even have yet.

These systems are strategic power!!  

However, in addition to both offense and defense being an integral part of any battle strategy, missile defense specifically also gives Israel more breathing space, options and strategic power. For example, if Iran or Hezbollah want to harass Israel asymmetrically,than missile defense makes that almost useless. A better example are the rockets Hamas launches against Israel – they are a certainly a nuisance, especially the air raid sirens, but they don’t cause any harm because they are almost all intercepted. So as a weapon of terror they are useless for Hamas.  It also allows Israel

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