Israel's interception of Houthi missile is first use of cutting-edge Arrow 3 defense system

Israel's Air Force used the 'Arrow 3' air defense system today to intercept a missile launched at Eilat by Houthis in Yemen. It was the first-ever use of the system, and came on the heels of the first successful use of the 'Arrow 2' system for the same purpose last week, which marked the first-ever instance of combat outside Earth's atmosphere. 

The 'Arrow 3' system, developed by Israel Aerospace Industries, a leading defense firm, is an advanced air defense system for intercepting ballistic missiles in space. In August, Israel announced that it would sell the system to Germany for NIS 14 billion, in what is to date the largest defense deal in Israel's history. The sale came amid Germany's decision to upgrade its defenses in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. 

"This is a historic interception," said  Israel Aerospace Industries President and CEO Boaz Levy, "which strategically emphasizes Israel's multi-layered response to long-term ballistic threats."

The system does not use any explosives but rather relies purely on the damage done by interception. The Arrow 2, by contrast, carries a warhead that destroys the missile using an explosive charge. READ MORE