Latest news with #Arrow2
Business Insider
27-06-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
Israel's top ballistic missile shield proved itself against Iran. Now, a next-gen update is on the way.
Israel's top ballistic missile defenses, the country's Arrow systems, will soon get a next-generation interceptor to keep pace with growing threats, the manufacturer told Business Insider this week. Since last year, Arrow has shielded Israel from three rounds of substantial bombardment by Iranian missiles — the most recent of which was only days ago — and many smaller-scale attacks by the Tehran-backed Houthi rebels. Boaz Levy, the CEO of state-run Israel Aerospace Industries, said in an interview that the company is working on developing a new interceptor missile for Arrow, and it's about to go into the production phase. Arrow is a highly advanced air defense system jointly produced by IAI and the US aerospace contractor Boeing. The first iteration of this system, Arrow 2, was deployed in 2000 and is able to intercept missiles in the upper atmosphere. The newer Arrow 3 became operational in 2017 and can hit targets in space. Both Arrow systems use a two-stage solid-fueled interceptor to shoot down incoming ballistic missiles, and together, they make up the top tier of Israel's sophisticated air defense network, which also includes the well-known Iron Dome system and David's Sling. The system has been in service for many years now. Since Arrow 2 was deployed, IAI has continuously sought to increase its capabilities, first by supplementing it with Arrow 3, and now by working on the future Arrow 4 and Arrow 5, Levy, the Arrow chief engineer, said. "We have the production line, and we have the capability, and we also have the know-how to transfer to the operational unit," he said. The early concept work for Arrow 4 — which is a joint US-Israeli project like its predecessors — began in 2017. The interceptor is now in the final stages of development and will soon enter the initial production phase. Final production rates will eventually be decided by Israel's Ministry of Defense, Levy said. He declined to provide a timeline, though he did disclose that "we are about to conclude the development, and it's only a matter of time until we start the production." Arrow 4 will eventually replace the decades-old Arrow 2. Levy explained the system will have a more enhanced "shoot-look-shoot" capacity, referring to the air defense strategy of engaging a target, reviewing the results, and then engaging again if necessary. In many cases, operators may fire two interceptors to engage a single incoming missile. "This is the new generation," he said, sharing the new technology and electronics will increase Arrow's interception capabilities with the same system it's been using for years. Arrow 5 will eventually be even more advanced than Arrow 4. Israel's Arrow systems have seen extensive combat since the Hamas-led October 7, 2023, attacks in Israel, most notably in three major clashes with Iran — in April 2024, October 2024, and then earlier this month. Tehran has launched at least 850 ballistic missiles at Israel over the course of these three clashes, and Arrow, alongside Israel's other defense systems and US forces in the region, intercepted most of the threats. The exact number of Iranian missiles that Arrow has shot down is unknown, but Levy said an initial analysis of the latest clash revealed the systems intercepted at least 90% of the threats it targeted. The Arrow systems have also frequently been tasked with shooting down missiles launched by the Houthis in Yemen. All these engagements, from Iran to the rebel group, have provided IAI with valuable data to help it develop the new interceptors. "It's a regular procedure that we are doing. Of course, we are testing all of our capabilities through real-time simulations. And of course, any data available to us is a tool to analyze our system's capabilities," Levy said.
Business Insider
26-06-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
How Israel used Iran's massive attacks to enhance its top ballistic missile shield
Israel's top ballistic missile defense system, Arrow, has played a key role against Iran's missiles. Arrow's maker said it intercepted most of the missiles it engaged during the latest clash between Israel and Iran. The CEO of Arrow's manufacturer told BI that it has been upgraded since its first battle with Iran. Israel's top ballistic missile defenses — its Arrow systems — were just tested in their third-ever direct conflict with Iran. The first two battles last year helped the manufacturer prepare for this latest fight, the toughest yet. Boaz Levy, the CEO of the state-run Israel Aerospace Industries, told Business Insider in an interview on Wednesday that the company is "analyzing each missile attack" against Israel on a case-by-case basis, whether it's a single shot or a barrage of fire. "We do have lessons learned about system operation, about threat capabilities, and more," he said. The highly advanced Arrow systems are a joint product of IAI and the US aerospace contractor Boeing. Arrow 2, which was first deployed in 2000, can intercept missiles in the upper atmosphere. The newer Arrow 3 became operational in 2017 and can hit targets in space. Both of the Arrow systems use a two-stage solid-fueled interceptor to destroy incoming ballistic missiles. Together, they make up the top echelon of Israel's vaunted air defense network, the most famous part of which is Iron Dome for combating rockets, mortars, and artillery. The Arrow systems have seen combat over the years, but they faced an unprecedented test in April 2024 when Iran fired some 120 ballistic missiles at Israel as part of a huge attack with cruise missiles and drones. Nearly all the threats were shot down. Arrow then defended against another large-scale barrage in early October when Iran launched over 180 ballistic missiles at Israel. And over the following months, the system has frequently been used to intercept missiles launched by the Tehran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. Levy, Arrow's chief engineer, explained that all these engagements ultimately helped prepare Arrow for its most significant test yet: the most recent conflict with Iran, which fired hundreds of ballistic missiles at Israel over a 12-day stretch. He said IAI develops Arrow in a "building blocks mechanism, which means that, every now and then, we are upgrading the system capability, utilizing a new building block." "During this time, between April last year to this attack, we did have several upgradations of the systems," he said. "I believe that this is the right way to deal with it. So yes, we had lessons learned, and we improved the systems accordingly." "It's a software change that will lead us to a better capability," he added. The latest conflict began on June 13, when Israeli officials announced the start of a new operation to degrade Iran's nuclear program and its military capabilities. Israel then carried out sweeping airstrikes across the country over the next week and a half. Iran retaliated by launching over 550 ballistic missiles and more than 1,000 drones at Israel, the latest Israeli government data shows. Most of those munitions were intercepted by air defenses. Levy declined to say how many Iranian missiles Arrow engaged. But he said an initial analysis revealed that the systems intercepted at least 90% of the missiles that it targeted since June 13. "I think that Arrow performed as expected," Levy said. Israel said the Iranian missiles have caused over 50 impact sites across the country. Some missiles are allowed to go through if the impact site is irrelevant, but Iranian weapons have also, at times, made it through to strike civilian areas. US Navy destroyers positioned in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea also provided air defense support for Israel in the latest conflict, as have American ground forces based in the Middle East. Available air defense assets in the region include MIM-104 Patriot surface-to-air missile batteries and the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system. US officials have not disclosed exactly how many Iranian missiles American forces shot down. Washington has provided air defense for Israel during all three of its clashes with Tehran. Levy hailed the air defense partnership between Israel and the US, describing it as "the right way to deal with a ballistic missile attack. I believe that this collaboration and coalition between allies is the right solution for that, especially when we are speaking about salvos," referring to large waves of attacks. The US military joined Israel's offensive campaign last weekend, using stealth aircraft and a guided-missile submarine to launch airstrikes on three of Iran's top nuclear facilities. Tehran retaliated on Monday by firing a volley of missiles at a major American base in Qatar. That retaliation was neutralized by the Patriot systems. Later that day, as Israel and Iran continued to trade attacks, President Donald Trump announced that the two countries had agreed to a ceasefire. Several days later, the fragile deal appears to be holding up.
NDTV
24-06-2025
- Science
- NDTV
How Israel And US Use Missile Defence Systems. Why They Are Not Foolproof
The ongoing aerial conflict between Iran and Israel has put light on the complex reality of the missile defence system, a technological feat that is both astonishing and limited. On June 23, Iranian forces launched missiles at an American base in Qatar, retaliating against US strikes on nuclear facilities. According to two Pentagon officials, American anti-missile systems managed to shoot down the incoming rockets. Similarly, Israel's highly acclaimed air defence network has been busy countering a barrage of ballistic missiles from Iran. While most were neutralised, some slipped through. Follow live updates here Why Is It Hard To Stop Ballistic Missiles? Once a missile is launched, it follows a high-arching trajectory, leaving the atmosphere before descending at incredible speeds. As soon as the launch occurs, satellites have just seconds to detect the heat plume from the rocket's engines. Ground-based radars then attempt to track its flight path and predict its impact point. Defensive systems must react within moments. An interceptor, a missile meant to destroy incoming threats, is fired, aiming to collide with the missile mid-flight. But this is not simple. Long-range interceptors engage targets in space, where both the enemy missile and the interceptor are travelling at supersonic speeds and are separated by vast distances, The NYT reported. Once in space, the missiles shed their boosters and continue as small, fast-moving vehicles, making the interception equivalent to "hitting a bullet with another bullet." Even more complicated is the fact that modern ballistic missiles, such as those used by Iran, are only about three feet wide during the space phase of their flight. They can move at a speed of roughly two miles per second. As a result, interceptors only have a fraction of a second to make course corrections. What Happens If The Missile Makes It Back Into The Atmosphere? If the long-range interceptor misses its target, there's very little time left. Upper-atmosphere systems like Israel's Arrow 2 or the American THAAD serve as a second line of defence. These interceptors must launch and strike within seconds, a race against gravity and time. If the missile manages to get closer to its target, last-resort systems such as the US-made Patriot come into play. These short-range interceptors, with a reach of about 12 miles, are effective but can only protect very limited areas. Why Can't Missile Defence Guarantee Safety? Even after years of work and huge investments, missile defence systems are far from perfect. Israel, known to have one of the most advanced systems in the world, has also faced difficulties in recent weeks. Many Iranian missiles got past Israeli interceptors, leading to civilian casualties and infrastructural damage. The problem isn't just about the accuracy of interception but also the availability of interceptors. Supplies are finite. In the words of defence analysts cited by The New York Times, missile defence remains a critical shield but not an impenetrable one.
Time of India
20-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
'$12 billion a month': The cost of Israel's daily strikes and defence against Iran - war at a premium
Israel is spending hundreds of millions of dollars each day in its escalating conflict with Iran, with the cost of interceptors, munitions, air operations, and infrastructure damage mounting rapidly, according to The Wall Street Journal. The daily military expenditure could run as high as $200 million just for missile interceptions, with broader operational costs and infrastructure damage driving that figure significantly higher. Experts estimate that rebuilding damage caused by Iranian missile strikes could alone cost Israel at least $400 million. Former Bank of Israel governor Karnit Flug warned that while the economy may absorb the costs of a short conflict, a prolonged war could be far more damaging. 'If it is a week, it is one thing,' she said. 'If it is two weeks or a month, it is a very different story.' The financial toll is being driven in large part by the heavy use of Israel's air defence systems. The David's Sling system, used to intercept short- and long-range threats, costs around $700,000 per activation when firing its minimum of two interceptors. The Arrow 3 system, designed to stop long-range ballistic missiles, costs around $4 million per interception, while Arrow 2 costs approximately $3 million, according to military analyst Yehoshua Kalisky. The conflict has seen more than 400 Iranian missiles fired at Israel in recent days, most of which required interception. The cost of deploying fighter jets—particularly F-35s—adds further pressure. Each hour of flight costs around $10,000 per aircraft. The cost of fuel, munitions like JDAMs and MK84s, and logistics for long-range missions all contribute to Israel's spiralling war bill. Zvi Eckstein, head of the Aaron Institute for Economic Policy, noted that 'per day, it is much more expensive than the war in Gaza or with Hezbollah,' citing the overwhelming burden of ammunition and interceptor usage. His institute estimates that a one-month war with Iran could cost Israel around $12 billion. Despite the sharp military spending, Israel's economy has not entered recession. However, disruptions are widespread. Civilian life has slowed, with many businesses—including restaurants—closed, and only essential workers reporting to duty. The country's main international airport was shut for several days before partially reopening for return flights. On Monday, S&P Global released a risk assessment of the Israel-Iran conflict but left Israel's credit outlook unchanged. Surprisingly, Israeli stock markets rose on Wednesday, with investors betting on the resilience of the economy and a possible swift end to the hostilities. Economists point to Israel's past ability to weather prolonged conflicts, including the 20-month war in Gaza. However, the destruction inflicted by Iranian missile attacks is severe. Structural engineer Eyal Shalev said the damage caused by large ballistic missiles is worse than anything seen in recent conflicts. Hundreds of buildings have been destroyed or heavily damaged, with repair costs expected to run into the hundreds of millions. Meanwhile, Ynet News also reported that Brigadier General (res.) Re'em Aminach, a former senior defence official and IDF financial consultant, estimated that Israel spent about $1.45 billion during the initial two days of combat. Of this, around $593 million went toward offensive operations, such as airstrikes and flight hours, and the rest to defensive measures like missile interception and reservist mobilisation. 'These are direct costs only,' Aminach said. 'The indirect costs — including impact on GDP — cannot be measured at this stage.' The finance ministry has already lowered its GDP growth forecast for 2025 from 4.3% to 3.6% and warned that the existing emergency reserve, mostly depleted by the war in Gaza, does not account for a concurrent conflict with Iran. Israel's deficit ceiling for the year is 4.9% of GDP, or roughly $27.6 billion, which could now be under pressure as the war drags on.
News18
20-06-2025
- Politics
- News18
Iron Dome, Arrow, David's Sling: How Has Iran Penetrated Israel's Famed Air Defence Systems?
Last Updated: Although Israeli figures suggest these penetrations are limited in success rate, they have raised questions about the vulnerabilities of even the most advanced air defence networks Despite possessing one of the world's most sophisticated and multi-layered air defence systems, Israel has experienced breaches by some of Iran's missiles in the recent conflict escalation. Although Israeli figures suggest these penetrations are limited in success rate, they have raised questions about the vulnerabilities of even the most advanced air defence networks when confronted with a determined and tactically diverse opponent. Saturation attacks Iran has primarily challenged Israel's aerial defences through saturation attacks, launching numerous missiles and drones in waves. Israel's defence system consists of several tiers: the Iron Dome for short-range rockets, David's Sling for medium-range missiles and cruise missiles, and the Arrow 2 and Arrow 3 systems for long-range ballistic missiles, intercepting them at higher altitudes or even in space. While each system boasts high interception rates for their intended targets, the sheer number of projectiles can overwhelm even the most robust defense. By firing hundreds of projectiles simultaneously, Iran aims to deplete Israel's interceptor missiles and create gaps in its defensive shield, allowing some projectiles to penetrate. Attack diversity Additionally, Iran has utilised a diverse array of projectiles with varying flight characteristics, complicating interception efforts. These include a large number of slower, low-flying drones that serve to distract or saturate defences, as well as faster, higher-flying ballistic missiles. The combination of different speeds and flight paths creates a multidimensional threat that can confuse and overtax air defence coordination. Advanced tactics Reports have also indicated Iran's use of more technologically advanced missiles and tactics. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed to employ a novel technique where missiles are guided in a manner that causes Israeli interceptor missiles to target each other, effectively confusing Israel's integrated defence system. While the exact details of this 'spoofing" tactic are not fully disclosed, it suggests an attempt to exploit potential weaknesses in the target acquisition and engagement logic of Israel's interceptors. Some Iranian missiles are believed to employ manoeuvrable re-entry vehicles (MaRV) or release decoys, further complicating interception by making their trajectories unpredictable. Air defence costs The sheer cost and finite supply of interceptors for Israel's defence systems also play a role. While systems like Iron Dome have a relatively lower cost per interceptor, the more advanced Arrow and David's Sling interceptors are significantly more expensive. A prolonged, high-volume assault by Iran forces Israel to expend these valuable munitions rapidly, potentially leading to a strain on their inventory over time. This economic attrition can influence defensive decisions, as Israel may choose not to intercept projectiles assessed to be heading for unpopulated areas, effectively 'leaking" some missiles by design to conserve resources. Leakage rate Finally, while Israel's defence systems are among the world's best, no system is entirely impenetrable. Even with high interception rates (Israel has stated 80-90% for ballistic missiles), a 5-10% 'leakage" rate on a massive volley can still result in numerous impacts, especially when targeting densely populated civilian areas or critical military infrastructure like the Kirya compound in Tel Aviv, which has seen 'significant damage." This inherent limitation, coupled with Iran's evolving missile capabilities and tactical sophistication, has allowed Tehran to achieve some level of penetration, inflicting damage and underscoring the formidable challenge posed by large-scale, multi-faceted missile attacks. News explainers Iron Dome, Arrow, David's Sling: How Has Iran Penetrated Israel's Famed Air Defence Systems?
