• Source:JND
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Iran conducted its first-ever direct attack on Israel, launching hundreds of drones and long range missiles in a retaliatory strike on late Saturday night. Iran's retaliation against the Israeli strike on its consulate in Syria, reportedly injured a seven-year-old and caused minor damage at a IDF military facility. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) reported that the majority of these surface-to-surface missiles were intercepted by the Arrow Aerial Defense System before entering Israeli airspace, with the assistance of Israel’s strategic allies.

Social media videos depicted the night sky over Israel illuminated by explosions as the Arrow and Iron Dome defence systems engaged and neutralised the Iranian missiles and drones. "Dozens of surface-to-surface missile launches from Iran were identified approaching Israeli territory. The IDF Aerial Defense Array successfully intercepted the majority of the launches using the Arrow Aerial Defense System," IDF stated.

Iranian drones and misslies pass over Al Aqsa Mosque compund in Jerusalem. (Image: X) 

Israel's Arrow Aerial Defence System

The Arrow Defence System, developed by Israel's Aerospace Industries in partnership with the US Missile Defence Agency, is a key component of Israel’s multi-layered air defence strategy. The Arrow Defence System has been designed to intercept short and medium-range missiles in the upper atmosphere, the Arrow 2 missiles complement the short-range Iron Dome and the medium-to-long-range David’s Sling systems. 

These systems form a comprehensive shield against various aerial threats, including the slow-moving drones Iran reportedly used to disrupt Israeli radar systems. These aerial defence  systems were also used by the IDF after the October 7 attack by Hamas militant groups.  

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Capabilities Of Israel’s Aerial Defence System 

The Arrow defence system is designed to intercept long-range threats within the atmosphere. The system’s latest iteration, the Arrow 3, has been operational since 2015 and gained recognition for successfully neutralising a ballistic missile over the Red Sea in November last year. This advanced system operates on kinetic energy principles, enabling it to destroy targets at hypersonic speeds and even function as an anti-satellite weapon.

The core component of the Arrow defence system is the EL/M-2080 Green Pine fire control radar (FCR) which is capable of long-range target detection and interception. It can handle up to 14 simultaneous targets and is resistant to electronic jamming. The system includes a missile launcher, the Hazelnut Tree Launch Control Center (LCC) and the Citron Tree battle management centre, all working in unison for defence of strategic locations from incoming threats.

ALSO READ: World Leaders Denounce Iran’s Retaliatory Drone, Missile Strikes On Israel, Call For De-Escalation

Upon threat detection, the Arrow missile is vertically launched, powered by a two-stage solid-propellant booster that propels it to Mach 9. The missile’s finned kill vehicle directs the blast towards the target, guided by the missile seeker. In case of a miss, the fragmentation warhead can detonate within 40 metres of the target, ensuring destruction.

The Arrow defence system is interoperable with the US Patriot Missile Defence System, enhancing its strategic value. Missiles can be launched from various platforms, including silos and canisters, with each launcher housing six missiles. Notably, significant financial support from the United States, amounting to over USD 3.7 billion by 2020, has been instrumental in the development of the Arrow 2 system.