Predecessor: Arrow 2
Photo: Yariv Katz
Israel, US sign deal for Arrow 3 development
After Iron Dome tests conclude successfully, Defense Ministry says will work with US Defense Department to develop missile defense system capable of intercepting long-range ballistic missiles while still outside atmosphere
After a successful conclusion to the testing of Iron Dome, Israel and the US signed an agreement Sunday on the development of the Arrow 3, a defense system that will be designed to protect against ballistic missiles.
The Defense Ministry said it would work with the US Defense Department to develop a missile defense system able to intercept long-range missiles while they are still outside the atmosphere.
The ministry added that the Arrow 3 would join the Iron Dome and the Magic Wand systems to provide Israeli citizens with multi-level defense for the threats faced by the state.
On Sunday night Defense Minister Ehud Barak is scheduled to depart for the US, where he will meet with top officials as well as UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.
Among the topics of discussion is the possible Israeli purchase of the Anerican F-35 fighter jet for its arsenal. The two states have been discussing the possibility for over a year and a half.
IDF Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi mentioned the F-35 during a speech Sunday at Tel Hashomer recruitment base, describing it as the best of its kind. However the jet may prove too pricy for Israel, especially with the added cost of installing IDF systems inside.
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