Arrow 3

For the railcar, see Arrow (railcar).

Arrow 3
Arrow 3
Arrow 3 test launch, January 2014.
TypeExoatmospheric hypersonic anti-ballistic missile
Place of originIsrael
Service history
Used byIsrael
WarsDefence against 2024 Iranian attack on Israel
Production history
DesignerIsrael Aerospace Industries
ManufacturerIsrael Aerospace Industries, Boeing
Produced2017–present
Specifications
EngineTwo-stage
Operational
range
2400km[1]
Flight ceiling>100km
Maximum speed Hypersonic[2]
Guidance
system
Inertial navigation system (INS) gimbaled seeker
Steering
system
Thrust vectoring
Launch
platform
Rapid launch fortified underground silos

The Arrow 3 or Hetz 3 (Hebrew: חֵץ 3, pronounced [ˈχet͡s]) is an exoatmospheric hypersonic anti-ballistic missile, jointly funded, developed and produced by Israel and the United States. Undertaken by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Boeing, it is overseen by the Israeli Ministry of Defense's "Homa" (Hebrew: חומה, pronounced [χoma], "rampart") administration and the U.S. Missile Defense Agency. It provides exo-atmospheric interception of ballistic missiles (during the space-flight portion of their trajectory), including intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs)[3][4] carrying nuclear, chemical, biological or conventional warheads. With divert motor capability, its kill vehicle can switch directions dramatically, allowing it to pivot to see approaching satellites.[5] The missile's reported flight range is up to 2,400 km (1,500 mi).[6]

According to the chairman of the Israeli Space Agency, Arrow 3 may serve as an anti-satellite weapon, which would make Israel one of the world's few countries capable of destroying orbiting satellites.[5]

  1. ^ "Israel and Germany discuss with US for acquisition of Arrow 3 air defense missile systems". Army Recognition. 31 October 2022. Archived from the original on 9 February 2023. Retrieved 26 March 2023.
  2. ^ Lappin, Yaakov (25 February 2013). "Israel successfully tests Arrow 3 missile defense". The Jerusalem Post. Archived from the original on 21 March 2023.
  3. ^ "Israel Introduces Arrow-3 Missile Interceptor System". Space Daily. Sputnik News. 20 January 2017. Archived from the original on 21 March 2023.
  4. ^ "Arrow 3 (Israel)". Missile Threat - CSIS Missile Defense Project. 16 July 2021. Archived from the original on 14 January 2024.
  5. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference a3asat was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  6. ^ Foss, Christopher; O’Halloran, James. "Jane's Information Group". Land Warfare Platforms: Artillery and Air Defence 2012–13 (Arrow Weapon System): 692–695.