Israel deploys Arrow-3 system for first time to intercept
Israel announced that it has activated the United-Israeli Arrow-3 system, which it has never used until now. First deployed in 2017, the Arrow-3 is among the most advanced tools of Israel’s air defense network.
Israel has confirmed that it used the Arrow-3 system for the first time to intercept a missile fired by the Houthis. The Houthis, an Iranian-backed group in Yemen, fired a barrage of ballistic missiles at Israel on Thursday, and Israel, which has been massacring civilians in Gaza for more than a month, responded with new weapons.
According to the American Insider, Israeli forces intercepted missiles over the Red Sea through the Arrow system. The Israeli army announced using the Arrow-3 system to eliminate missile threats. This weapon was deployed in 2017 and was used for the first time.
TOP LAYER OF ISRAEL’S AIR DEFENCE SYSTEM
The Arrow-3 anti-ballistic missile system, jointly developed by the United States and Israel, is considered a continuation and complementary system to the Arrow-2s first deployed in 2000. The Arrow-2 was used twice in the last month-long war between Israel and Hamas.
Both Arrow systems use two-stage solid-fuelled interceptors to fire short- and medium-range ballistic missiles and consist of a launcher, radar, and combat management system. In addition, the Arrow-2 is allegedly designed to intercept missiles in the upper atmosphere, while the Arrow-3 can eliminate threats in space.
Together, the two systems form the top tier of Israel’s multi-layered air defense network. Below the Arrow systems is David’s Sling, which can fire medium to long-range rockets and missiles up to 185 miles. Below it is the Iron Dome, the best-known air defense system and the scene of the most action to date. It is designed to intercept short-range artillery fire and rockets.
Israel also operates the MIM-104 Patriot missile defense battery, a US-made surface-to-air missile system capable of neutralizing a wide range of munitions, from ballistic and cruise missiles to unmanned aerial vehicles.
Meanwhile, Iran-backed Houthis shot down an American MQ-9 Reaper drone off the coast of Yemen on Wednesday, US officials said. Thus, for the second time in recent years, the Houthis managed to shoot down an American drone.
Source: American Insider
