What is the Arrow-3 Missile Defence System?

About Arrow-3 Missile Defence System

• It is an exo-atmospheric anti-ballistic missile defence system for long-range threat engagement.
• The missile was jointly developed by Israel Aerospace Industries and the Missile Defence Agency in the US.
• Initially deployed in 2017, Arrow-3 is the top layer of Israel's sophisticated air-defense network.
• It is designed to take out ballistic missiles while they are still outside of the atmosphere.
• Features:
  • It uses two-stage solid-fueled interceptors to engage short- and medium-range ballistic missiles and consists of a launcher, radar, and battle management system.
  • It provides a range of 2,400km and can intercept threats at an altitude of 100km.
  • It has early warning and fire control radar. It provides extended-range acquisition as well as multi-target acquisition and tracking capabilities.
• How does it work?
  • It uses hit-to-kill technology to destroy incoming missiles. 
  • The missile is launched vertically, and then the direction is changed towards the estimated interception point. 
  • The high-resolution electro-optical sensor acquires the target for the kill vehicle to hit the target and destroy the warhead.

Q1) What are Ballistic Missiles?

Ballistic missiles are powered initially by a rocket or series of rockets in stages, but then follow an unpowered trajectory that arches upwards before descending to reach its intended target. Ballistic missiles can carry either nuclear or conventional warheads. 

Source: Arrow 3: Israel used a weapon it never has before to neutralise an incoming missile