13 In June, Iran launched a missile attack on Israel, running towards the country close 200 ballistic missiles and more 100 дронів у рамках операції «Operation True Promise 3» Ізраїль активував багаторівневу систему ППО, куди входять Iron Dome, David’s Sling, Arrow‑2 та Arrow‑3 .
The defining moment was the launch of the Arrow-3 interceptor with the characteristics of a hypersonic aircraft, which hit the target at a height of close 100 km — that is, in space — in the mode of exoatmospheric interception .
What is exoatmospheric interception?
This is a unique technology, which allows you to eliminate ballistic missiles on their flight path in outer space, before entering the atmosphere, at speeds above Mach5. Використовується принцип «удар-в-удар» — без вибухівки, лише кінетичне зіткнення з ракетою-мішенню Arrow‑3, створений Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) та Boeing, перебуває на службі з 2017 year and is capable of intercepting intercontinental ballistic missiles or maneuverable targets in space.
Features of the Arrow‑3 system
- Type: two-stage hypersonic interceptor missile for exoatmospheric interception .
- Range: up to 2400 km, which allows you to cover threats over a large area .
- Maneuverability: can turn up to 90° in flight for precise target engagement
- The ability to be used as an anti-satellite weapon — potentially capable of destroying enemy space vehicles .
Assessment of the situation
Iran carried out an attack in response to the Israeli operation "Rising Lion", directed against the facilities of Iran's uranium program. As a result of a missile strike, among other things, було влучено по штаб‑квартирі Управління воєнної розвідки Ізраїлю у Тель-Авіві. Despite this, багато іранських ракет було успішно знищено Ізраїлем.
Interception in space demonstrates the ability of the Arrow‑3 system to work effectively in the highest protective layer of air defense, making it impossible to launch launch vehicles with potentially nuclear or other. threats. This is a new level of defense technology in the hypersonic era.