Israel-Iran War: Iran’s Unprecedented Attack Fails Against Israel’s Arrow Defence – Live Updates

Last year, Hamas launched Operation ‘Al-Aqsa Flood’, resulting in aerial and ground attacks. During this time, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) successfully intercepted dozens of surface-to-surface missile launches from Iran using the Arrow Aerial Defense System, developed in collaboration with the US in the late 1980s. This system underwent significant development, leading to the induction of Arrow 2 missiles in 2000, which enhanced Israel’s capability to intercept short and medium-range missiles using a hit-and-kill approach in the upper atmosphere.

This objective is to neutralize incoming missiles before their descent stage. Complementing the Arrow Defense System, Israel also employs the Iron Dome and David’s Sling, forming a layered defense system. The Iron Dome has been battle-tested and successfully intercepted thousands of rockets since 2011, while David’s Sling addresses medium-to-long-range threats.

The defense system comprises the missile launcher, Green Pine fire control radar (FCR), Hazelnut Tree Launch Control Center (LCC), and Citron Tree battle management center. The FCR provides long-range target detection and can counter electronic jamming, with an effective range of 2,400 kilometers and the capability to strike targets at altitudes of 100 km. The Arrow Defense System and the US Patriot Missile Defense System are compatible, allowing interoperability.

The rockets can be launched from silos or canisters, with each launcher holding up to six missiles. The Arrow 3 rockets, the latest addition, neutralize targets in the exo-atmosphere, and videos on social media show them intercepting Iranian missiles. The defense system has a conventional rocket motor and the ability to adjust its trajectory once launched.

Despite these advancements, there have been instances, such as in April 2021, where the system failed to intercept Syrian missiles. The United States has contributed significantly to the development costs of the Arrow Defense System, with a total financial contribution exceeding $3.7 billion by 2020.