Context
Recently, Germany announced plans to establish a second Arrow-3 missile defence site in Bavaria, alongside the operational battery near Berlin, to strengthen its national missile defence network.
About Arrow-3 Missile Defence System
- Arrow-3 is a long-range exo-atmospheric interceptor designed to destroy ballistic missiles before they re-enter the Earth’s atmosphere.
- It is the latest interceptor of the Arrow Weapon System (AWS), jointly developed by Israel and the United States.
- AWS is the world’s first operational stand-alone national Anti-Tactical Ballistic Missile (ATBM) defence system.
- The system consists of a two-stage solid-propellant interceptor, supported by an integrated launcher, advanced radar, and battle management system.
- It has an operational range of up to 2,400 km and can intercept targets at altitudes of around 100 km.
- The interceptor is launched from a 21-inch vertical launch canister and intercepts threats during the exo-atmospheric phase of their flight.
- Travelling at hypersonic speed (above Mach 5), it can rapidly intercept high-speed ballistic missiles.
- Its early-warning and fire-control radar provides long-range surveillance and simultaneously detects and tracks multiple targets.
- The system uses hit-to-kill technology, destroying incoming missiles through direct kinetic impact instead of an explosive warhead.
- After launch, a high-resolution electro-optical sensor guides the kill vehicle to the target for precise interception.
- Arrow-3 strengthens multi-layered missile defence by providing long-range protection against ballistic missile threats.
