The Israeli Air Force's Air Defense Command received its first Arrow 3 defense system Wednesday. Arrow 3 is a pivotal part of Israel's four-tiered air defenses, which comprises the Iron Dome system, designed to intercept and destroy short-range rockets and artillery shells, the David's Sling system, which counters medium- to long-range rockets and missiles, and the Arrow defense system: Arrow 2 is a short- and medium-range ballistic missile interceptor, and Arrow 3 -- a long-range missile interceptor -- is designed to provide top-tier defense against ballistic missiles. Arrow 3 is developed by the Defense Ministry's Homa Directorate, which oversees the development of missile defenses, and the U.S. Missile Defense Agency. With a host of breakthrough technological capabilities, Arrow 3 is considered one of the best ballistic missile interceptors in the world. The system has more accurate, long-range interception capabilities, which it deploys in higher atmospheric altitudes. The fact that Arrow 3 has become operational is a significant step up for Israel's air defenses, and together with Arrow 2, it will reduce Israel's missile vulnerability. As part of the new interceptor's introduction into the Arrow lineup, the defense system's overall components, including its command and control and radar features, have been upgraded.
