Israel’s advanced air defense system achieved its first intercept this week, destroying an enemy missile believed to have been heading toward Eilat, a southern Israeli port city and resort near Jordan.
The Israel Defense Forces announced that their new Arrow 3 missile defense system effectively intercepted a target launched toward Israel in the Red Sea region, marking its first operational interception since its deployment in 2017. The IDF officials stated that the Arrow 3 system is one of the most advanced air and missile defense systems in the world.
The Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen confirmed they fired the missile that was downed by the Arrow 3 system, vowing to continue their military operations in solidarity with the Palestinians until the Israeli aggression against Gaza stops.
The joint Israel/US Arrow 3 system is a critical component of Israel’s layered air defense umbrella, designed to intercept exo-atmospheric ballistic missiles operating just outside the Earth’s atmosphere. The IDF also highlighted the recent success of the first operational interception carried out by the Arrow 2 system.
Israel’s air defense system includes “David’s Sling,” designed for tackling large-caliber rockets and short-range ballistic missiles, as well as the renowned Iron Dome system, which defends against short-range rockets and drones.
