Development Starts on Next-Gen Arrow-4 Weapon System

Joint development of Arrow-4 an advanced, innovative interceptor missile with enhanced capabilities has begun between the Israeli MDO and the U.S. MDA By Joseph Macey / 19 Mar 2021

Discover Leading Defense Technology Solutions

Discover cutting-edge solutions from leading global suppliers
SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT
Development_Starts_on_Next-Gen Arrow-4_Weapon_System
Follow DA

The Israel Missile Defense Organization (IMDO), in the Directorate of Defense R&D (MAFAT) of the Israel Ministry of Defense, and the U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA), have commenced the development of the Arrow-4 system. Arrow-4 will be the next generation of endo-exoatmospheric interceptors in the Arrow weapon system, which today consists of Arrow-2 and Arrow-3 interceptors.

Arrow-4 will be an advanced, innovative interceptor missile with enhanced capabilities. It will address a wide range of evolving threats in the region and will replace the Arrow-2 interceptors over the next decades. Its development is led by the IMDO and the U.S. MDA, with IAI as the prime contractor for the development and production of the system and its interceptors.

MDA Director, Vice Adm. John Hill: “Arrow-4 is a cooperative program between the MDA and IMDO that illustrates U.S. commitment to assisting the government of Israel in upgrading its national missile defense capability to defend the State of Israel from emerging threats.”

Head of the Israel Missile Defense Organization, Moshe Patel: “We are starting the development of the Arrow-4 system at a symbolic time- 30 years after the gulf war, which led to the establishment of the IMDO and the joint missile defense program with our American partners. Over the last three decades, we have developed one of the most advanced missile defense arrays in the world, built of four layers with demonstrated capabilities. These capabilities are being constantly improved against emerging threats. Arrow-4 will have unprecedented flight and interception capabilities, ensuring the security of the State of Israel.”

Israel Aerospace Industries – Jacob Galifat, GM of the IAI/MLM Division: “The Arrow weapon system, which was one of the first in the world to intercept ballistic missiles, will be upgraded with a significant capability, produced by IAI, in the form of the Arrow-4 interceptor. The interceptor will be the most advanced of its kind in the world and will provide a new layer of defense to the State of Israel and its citizens.”

The Arrow Weapon System is a major element of Israel’s multilayered missile defense array. It includes advanced radar systems, developed and produced by IAI subsidiary, Elta. It also includes a BMC system developed by Elbit Systems, and a Launch Array including interceptors produced by MLM (a subsidiary of IAI).

Arrow-2 has been operational since the year 2000, providing endo-exoatmospheric defense.

Arrow-3, an exoatmospheric missile defense system, was delivered for operational use in 2017. It serves as the upper layer of Israel’s multi-tier missile defense array.

Posted by Joseph Macey Connect & Contact

Latest Articles

High-Performance Propeller Solutions for Defense & Government UAV Applications

Defense Advancement showcases Flyber's robust propeller solutions for military and government unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)

Jun 23, 2025
Honeywell’s F-35 PTMS Delivers Proven Performance with Scalable Upgrades & Global Support

Honeywell’s Power and Thermal Management System (PTMS) supports F-35 fleets with integrated power and cooling, a scalable 80kW upgrade path, and global sustainment and repair infrastructure

Jun 23, 2025
Enhancing Law Enforcement with BVLOS Drones & Elsight’s Secure Connectivity

Discover how Elsight’s BVLOS connectivity is boosting law enforcement operations by improving response times, enhancing safety, and supporting critical drone missions

Jun 23, 2025
Strategic Partnership Advances AI-Enabled Aerial Reconnaissance

Airbus and Quantum Systems are partnering to develop open, AI-enabled aerial reconnaissance solutions that enhance European defense capabilities

Jun 23, 2025
Aurora Supports University Research on Autonomy, Battery Systems & UAM Design

Aurora Flight Sciences, a Boeing Company, supports NASA-backed university projects with tools, expertise, and testing to advance autonomy, battery systems, and urban air mobility (UAM) design

Jun 20, 2025
ROVs Deployed to Support Underwater Demining Across Ukraine

Deep Trekker has delivered sixteen REVOLUTION ROVs to Ukraine’s emergency services, supporting underwater demining operations through a UNDP-led initiative

Jun 20, 2025

Featured Content

Q&A: Periphery’s Approach to Cybersecurity & CRA Readiness

This Q&A explores how Periphery’s AI-powered platform secures embedded devices with real-time threat detection, supporting defence applications and EU Cyber Resilience Act compliance

Jun 18, 2025
Trillium Launches Advanced Gimbal for Medium & Long Range Reconnaissance

Trillium Engineering’s new HD45 LV R delivers advanced imaging performance in an ultra-light gimbal, optimized for long range and medium range ISR missions

Jun 11, 2025
Honeywell Unveils New Lightweight Tactical-Grade IMU

Honeywell has launched the HG3900 IMU, a compact tactical-grade unit with reduced size and power consumption while maintaining near-navigation-grade performance levels

Jun 10, 2025
Advancing Defense Capability Through Strategic Collaboration Defense Advancement works with major OEMs to foster collaboration and increase engagement with SMEs, to accelerate innovation and drive defense capabilities forward.