Israel to develop Arrow-4 air defence system, a long-range ballistic missile interceptor

Jerusalem: Israel has joined forces with the United States to develop the Arrow-4, an anti-ballistic air defence system. The Israeli Defense Ministry claims that the Arrow 4 will strengthen Israel’s air security with its extraordinary speed and penetrating capabilities. Meanwhile, as its confidence has been bolstered, Iran could launch an attack on Israel soon. A few days ago, an Israeli newspaper had warned that Iran would deploy a minimum of 200 missiles in Iraq.

Israel is surrounded by Hezbollah in Lebanon, pro-Iran terrorist groups in Syria, and Hamas and Islamic Jihad in the Gaza Strip. As they are armed with thousands of rockets and missiles, the terrorist groups launch attacks on Israel at any time. As a result, Israel has developed indigenous air defence systems such as the Iron Dome, the David’s Sling and the Arrow.

Of these, the Iron Dome is used for Hamas and Islamic Jihad’s short-range rockets. Israel has deployed David’s Sling system near Lebanon and the Syrian border for medium-range Katyusha rockets used by Hezbollah. In addition, the Arrow-2 and Arrow-3 systems have been developed to respond to Iran’s long-range missiles. The Israeli military plans to remove the Arrow-2 and replace it with the Arrow-4.

According to the Israeli Defence Ministry, the Arrow-4 system will have the capability to penetrate Iran’s ballistic missiles. Defense Minister Benny Gantz said that Israel is working in collaboration with the United States to rapidly develop the system, which will result in a technological and operational leap. The Arrow-4 will keep Israel one step ahead of its enemy, said Moshe Patel, head of Israel’s Missile Defense Organization (IMDO). Besides, Vice Admiral John Hill, Director of the US Missile Defense Agency (MDA), stated that the United States had shown its commitment to Israel’s security by participating in the development of the Arrow-4 system.

Two days before Israel and the United States made the announcement on Arrow-4, an Israeli daily reported that Iran was preparing to attack Israel. Iran could instigate the pro-Iranian militias in Iraq to do so. The news report went on to claim that Iran would be deploying at least 200 long-range ballistic missiles. A few weeks ago, the Kata’ib Hezbollah, an Iran-affiliated militant group in Iraq, had threatened to fire rockets at Israel. Also, Iran had tested a long-range smart ballistic missile just a few days ago.