Arrow Missile Defense Battery to be Deployed in Central Israel

photo US Navy

February 13, 2012 Shir Aharon Bram, IAF – defpro.com

Deployment is part of IDF's preparations for new security challenges facing Israel

A new Arrow missile defense battery will become operational in 2012 as a part of Israel Defense Forces' (IDF) preparations for new security challenges facing Israel. The battery is to be stationed in the center of the country in order to provide maximal response to security threats. The Aerial Defense Network expects that the battery will help better protect Israel from long-range missiles.

The new battery is designed to intercept long-range surface-to-surface missiles with an upgraded version of the Arrow missile. The system will use advanced interceptors, which include a number of sensors to identify and intercept the incoming missiles in a precise manner. The battery will be integrated with the newly installed “Super Green Pine” radar system, which is able to detect missiles at a longer range with greater accuracy.

Further improvements include a new missile control center, a unique addition that will direct all the Arrow batteries in the “Sword Shield” unit. “This is the real conceptual revolution for ‘sword shield',” explained a commander within the unit, First Lieutenant Tomer. “These updates significantly increase the capabilities and resources of the unit. This is a important step in dealing with these threats.”

According to Lt. Tomer, the establishment of the new battery is not connected to recent events, but has been in the works since the unit’s inception. “However, the weapons on the other side of the border are always in our sites.”

The Arrow system is Israel's defense system against long-range missile threats. The Arrow missile can intercept missiles above of the atmosphere, thereby preventing any collateral damage from the interception. It also is a part of Israel's multi-layered defense system, where each integrated system is designed to deal with a unique threat. The role of the Arrow system is to intercept missiles in the upper layer.

The system is in constant development and is on the verge of integrating the newly developed “Arrow 3” missile, an advanced interceptor capable of intercepting missiles at an even longer range. The unit “Sword Shield” is the unit within the Air Force that is responsible for the Arrow system. It includes all batteries that are designed to intercept long-range missiles.