The “Arrow” system, which is responsible for defending Israel from long-range ballistic missiles, is expected to undergo a series of improvements in 2013. The missiles will have an advanced radar system, a new centre for interception management and capability of wider ranges of interception.

The “Arrow” weapon system, which was designed to protect against far-range ballistic missiles, continues to evolve. A new version of the missile system—“Block 4.1”, which will include a new centre for interception management, armored launchers with high shooting availability, better communication with other missile systems and wider ranges of interceptions—is expected in the coming year. “The variety of targets and threats that the system can tackle will expand”, explains Major Roi Pladshaw, Head of the “Arrow” Division of the “Armor” Administration which is responsible for the development of weapons in the Aerial Defense Formation. “We will be able to intercept targets in farther ranges and also in lower altitudes”

As a part of the upgrade, a new centre for interception management with improved capabilities—additional administrative positions, technical and operational upgrades and a connection to the new radar “Super Green Pine” will be founded. “We’re talking about an incredibly advanced missile-defence radar”, says Major Pladshaw. “Its detection capabilities are twice as exact as the ones of the current radar, “Green Pine”

In the “Arrow” system we don’t put munitions out of use but add new ones. In parallel to the “Super Green Pine”, “Green Pine” radars will continue to be active, and that’s how we have an immense improvement in our detection rates”

Additionally, as a part of the series of upgrades, permanent “Arrow” batteries will be based at an IAF airbase. Connectivity and data sharing with other aerial defence systems will also be improved: The upgrade will allow optimal coordination with the “David’s Sling” system against mid-range missiles, which is expected to become operational in the coming years.