Israel approves major expansion of Arrow interceptor production

Israel’s Ministry of Defence (IMOD) has received approval from the Ministerial Committee for Procurement to proceed with a “major additional acceleration” of Arrow interceptor missile production.

The plan, advanced by Defence Minister Israel Katz and Ministry of Defence Director general major general (Res.) Amir Baram, aims to increase both production rates and missile stockpiles in preparation for potential future security challenges.

Following the Committee’s decision, Israeli defence industries, already instructed by the Ministry to increase output, are now set for broader expansion of manufacturing activities.

The upcoming agreement, due to be signed shortly, will support this operational ramp-up of Arrow interceptors, which are produced by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).

The Arrow system, developed in coordination with the US Missile Defense Agency, is equipped to intercept ballistic missile threats at both exo-atmospheric and upper-atmospheric levels, strengthening Israel’s preparedness against distant missile attacks.

The platform integrates multiple components that enable the detection, tracking, and interception of incoming missiles.

The Arrow 2 interceptor is designed to neutralise tactical ballistic missiles identified by the ELM-2080 Green Pine Radar System.

The system protects against several missile types, including those arriving at speeds of up to three kilometres per second. It has demonstrated effectiveness against threats such as Scud and Shahab-3 missiles, according to Israeli defence sources.

The Arrow 3 interceptor, described as advanced in target profiles, addresses more complex and longer-range threats, particularly those capable of carrying weapons of mass destruction.

Israel Missile Defense Organization director Moshe Patel, under the Directorate of Defense Research and Development, leads the acceleration initiative, working alongside the IMOD Budget Department and other divisions.

IAI’s MLM Division oversees prime development and manufacturing, while US-based STARK Aerospace partners in production.

Additional contributors include IAI’s ELTA and TMM Divisions, Elbit Systems, Tomer, and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems.

The US Missile Defense Agency remains a core partner in Israel’s integrated air and missile defence array, which also consists of David’s Sling and the Iron Dome systems.

This cooperation supports the ongoing maintenance of Israel’s technological posture in air defence.

Israel Katz said: “The large-scale acceleration of Arrow interceptor production is already driving a significant increase in monthly output, strengthening Israel’s upper defence layer against ballistic threats from Iran and its proxies.

“Israel has sufficient interceptors to protect its citizens, and this initiative is designed to ensure continued freedom of action and the sustained operational endurance we require. The Ayatollah regime should know: Israel is resilient and strong, prepared to sustain the campaign for as long as necessary, and continues to enhance its defensive and offensive capabilities while fighting.”

In November last year, IMOD signed a procurement order to expedite production of the Iron Dome air defence system.