13 In June, Iran launched a missile attack on Israel, running towards the country close 200 ballistic missiles and more 100 drones as part of Operation True Promise3, Israel activated a multi-level air defense system, which includes 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. The principle of "blow-to-blow" is used - without explosives, only a kinetic collision with an Arrow‑3 target missile, created by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) та Boeing, is in service with 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, the headquarters of Israel's Military Intelligence Directorate in Tel Aviv was hit. Despite this, many Iranian missiles were successfully destroyed by Israel.
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.