Boeing, Israel Aerospace Industries complete first Arrow 3 Interceptor flight test

HUNTSVILLE, Ala., 25 Feb. 2013. A next-generation Arrow 3 interceptor, co-developed by Boeing and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), completed its first flight test.

Part of Israel's multi-tier anti-ballistic missile defense strategy, Arrow 3 interceptor for the Arrow Weapon System can be launched earlier and engage threats at higher altitudes outside the Earth's atmosphere than previous interceptors.

"This successful test underscores the effectiveness of the decade-long cooperative relationship we have forged with IAI on the Arrow program and other international missile defense initiatives," explains Jim Chilton, Boeing vice president and general manager of Strategic Missile & Defense Systems. "Boeing is proud to help advance the Arrow program, which provides Israel with a proven asset in the country's multi-tier anti-ballistic missile defense strategy."

The system’s first test flight took place during a test of Israel’s national missile defense system conducted by the Israel Ministry of Defense and the U.S. Missile Defense Agency. The Arrow 3 interceptor launched from an Israeli test range and concluded with the interceptor being terminated over the Mediterranean Sea.

The Arrow system is the world's first operational, national missile defense system. IAI, the prime contractor, is responsible for system integration and final interceptor assembly in Israel.

Boeing, in addition to co-developing Arrow 3, provides several interceptor components for the in-service Arrow 2. Boeing produces major components and subsystems in Huntsville, Ala., and works with key partners across the U.S.