The Arrow Missile: Israel's Best Defense

IDF Spokesperson 18 March 2003

Against the rising threat to Theater Ballistic Missiles (TBMs), carrying
various types of warheads, Israel Aircraft Industries' MLM Division with its
partners developed an effective, powerful and modular defense system.
Utilizing the uniquely effective ARROW II interceptor, the system detects,
intercepts and destroys incoming TBMs and provides a large defended
footprint, allowing the protection of important strategic assets, as well as
civilian population centers.

How did the Arrow Missile Program Develop?

The story of the Arrow Weapons System (AWS) began on March 23rd 1983 when US
president Reagan delivered his "Star Wars" speech presenting to the world
his vision of a defensive wall that would give the citizens of the free
world a defense against Ballistic Missiles.

In 1984 the US Defense Department created a body called the SDIO. The SDIO's
job was to administrate the Star Wars activity.

In 1985, the US offered Israel to join the initiative.

In 1986 an understanding was signed between the governments of Israel and
the US which defined the principles of development that were to come. During
the discussions that took place, it was decided that the Arrow system suited
Israeli defense needs. The project was unveiled in 1988. In addition, it was
decided that the US would fund 80% of the project.

Dov Raviv head of the Israel Aircraft Industries MLM Divisionand the father
of the Arrow Missile program supervised the development with creativity and
leadership. He ensured that the technology that went into the arrow was
State of the Art.

The Arrow had a shaky start and early faults in the system were common.
Despite this, it was possible within two years to overcome the problems and
test launch the first ever Arrow missile in August 1990. The missile crashed
during take off. There were many people who thought the project unnecessary
and wasteful, but their doubts about the Arrow disappeared in 1991 during
the Gulf War when they discovered that the threat of missiles was no myth,
but harsh reality. In the next two tests, errors were discovered in the
planning of the thermal defense system characterizing hypersonic missiles
which had lead to all previous failures of the system. In September 1992 a
successful Arrow missile test was carried out in which one arrow missile was
deployed, and in 1993 two tests were carried out with almost total success.

In the summer of 1994 field photographers filmed a historic test launch in
which an arrow missile destroyed its target for the first time. This proved
that the original concept was working.

Due to several successful tests, the original Arrow missile completed its
task as a technological breakthrough. Later, it was to be used as a target
missile only. In the series of tests that followed, the capability of the
arrow was increased to become a hypersonic missile, proving Israel's
technological capabilities. This was a maximal result achieved in minimal
time.

The new model dubbed "Arrow 2" had two stages and a wider range. It was
capable of reaching heights above those of the earth's atmosphere, and could
be launched from a portable launcher with short response time. In addition
it had several other special features which showed how technologically
advanced it was.

Between 1995-2000 ten test launches of the arrow missile were carried out
which included the launch of a missile (flyout).

A number of tests were performed to examine the system: Nine out of 10 of
these tests were successful. Soldiers in the Arrow missile unit carried out
the last tests. The last test, which took place on The 5th of Jan 2003, was
especially rewarding because the missile was launched under special flight
conditions. The test examined how the Arrow could intercept 4 missiles
simultaneously, as well as a simulation of a barrage of enemy missiles.

The chain of successful tests was extraordinary. They cannot assure 100%
success, however they go a long way to add a feeling of security and belief
in the Arrow missile system.

In the end of 1997 the IAF announced that it had created a special team
which would be in charge of the first Arrow missile battery. In November
1998 a rollout ceremony took place in which the head of Israel's Aircraft
Industry handed over the Arrow missile System to the Defense ministry.

In September 2000 the arrow system radar identified a scud launching
facility in Syria, and in 2001 it discovered another.

The Arrow missile became operational in October 2000. In January 2000 The
Israel Air Force industry and Boeing signed a deal in which it was agreed
that they would both help to manufacture the arrow. During 2002 the
framework for the Arrow missile 2 was laid down.

Today many countries possess ballistic missiles, and many of these countries
either possess or are seeking to develop unconventional weapons. This
condition, coupled with the unpredictability of potential adversaries,
presents a serious threat to population centers, and high value assets.
ARROW Weapon System is the first operational ATBM system in the world being
developed specifically to defend against Theater Ballistic Missiles.

For more information on the Arrow http://www.mod.gov.il/modh1/homa