Israel Unveils Upgraded “Arrow 4” Missile Defense System

by Worthy News Jerusalem Bureau Staff

(Worthy News) – Israel’s renowned Arrow missile defense system is poised to enter a new era as the Ministry of Defense and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) prepare to roll out the next-generation Arrow 4 interceptor, designed to counter emerging threats including hypersonic glide vehicles (HGVs) and advanced ballistic missiles.

Jointly developed with the U.S. Missile Defense Agency, Arrow 4 marks a significant evolution in Israel’s multi-layered air defense capabilities. Unlike previous generations, Arrow 4 will operate in both exo-atmospheric and endo-atmospheric environments, enabling it to intercept a broader range of incoming threats — from reentry vehicles to maneuverable hypersonic warheads.

The new system is expected to enter production in the coming days, replacing the aging Arrow 2 system while complementing Arrow 3, which has been active since 2017. Arrow 4’s interceptor is specifically designed to counter the next generation of threats, including nuclear-capable hypersonic glide vehicles now being developed by China and Russia, according to a 2024 report from the Congressional Research Service.

Boaz Levy, CEO of Israel Aerospace Industries, told Business Insider that IAI had been applying real-time battlefield data to improve the Arrow systems throughout Israel’s recent clashes with Iran and its proxies. “We do have lessons learned about system operation, about threat capabilities, and more,” Levy said, describing the development strategy as a “building blocks mechanism.”

Arrow systems have been at the forefront of Israel’s defense during recent large-scale attacks, particularly the 12-day war with Iran known as Operation Rising Lion. That conflict, which began on June 13, saw over 550 ballistic missiles and 1,000 drones launched at Israel. According to Levy, Arrow interceptors neutralized more than 90% of the ballistic missile threats they targeted.

The Arrow 3 system, already field-proven against Iranian threats and Houthi-launched missiles from Yemen, is being deployed internationally as well. Germany has finalized the largest defense export deal in Israel’s history to acquire the Arrow 3 system. Officials from both nations have begun joint preparations for delivery, including site construction at Holzdorf Air Base, where Germany’s first Arrow 3 battery will be stationed.

Lt.-Gen. Ingo Gerhartz, the outgoing commander of the German Air Force, accepted initial Arrow components during a visit to Israel in May, just days before a Houthi missile struck near Ben-Gurion International Airport. Germany’s deployment will provide its military with the unprecedented ability to intercept threats at altitudes of up to 100 kilometers — entering near-space territory that had previously been undefended.

The Arrow systems, developed in cooperation with Boeing, are part of Israel’s top-tier missile defense network, which also includes Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Patriot batteries. In the April 2024 and October 2024 missile salvos launched by Iran, the Arrow systems intercepted the vast majority of threats, protecting critical infrastructure and population centers.

U.S. forces in the region, including Navy destroyers equipped with Aegis systems, THAAD units, and Patriot batteries, have worked in coordination with Israeli air defenses during these confrontations. American forces also supported Israel’s retaliatory campaign last month, striking Iranian nuclear facilities using stealth bombers and submarines. Iran responded by targeting a major U.S. base in Qatar, though those missiles were intercepted.

President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Iran several days after the latest exchange of hostilities, which appears to be holding for now.

“Arrow 4 isn’t just another upgrade,” Levy emphasized. “It’s a major leap forward in our ability to face new threats in real time, with allies by our side.”

As Israel and its partners continue to adapt to an evolving missile landscape, Arrow 4 is set to become a cornerstone of strategic defense not just for the Jewish state, but for its allies facing the increasing challenge of long-range, high-speed aerial threats.

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