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To maintain the Arrow's effectiveness
against evolving threats, the missile is developed through a typical
"spiral" development, maintaining "one step ahead" of the threat.
In the 1980s Israel evaluated several missile defense concepts,
including boost phase and mid-course attacks. The Arrow, proposed by
IAI was selected as a defensive system designed for terminal phase
intercept.
Arrow is integrated into a larger multi-layered defensive network
which can also provide mid course engagement, within an international
coalition of defenses (with the US and NATO, for example).
"The Arrow was developed as a robust interceptor, continuously
evolving through a spiral development process, accommodating advanced
capabilities and adapts to face evolving threats." Herzog told
Defense Update,
"The same interceptor designed with 1990s hardware and fielded in the
year 2000 is operational today, upgraded with software modifications
to defend against new threats such as the Shihab". Since its initial
fielding in the year 2000 the Arrow system received two software-block
upgrades. Currently operational with Block 2, the system is expected
to receive Block 3 which is currently in final testing. Under a
parallel Arrow System Improvement Plan (ASIP) program, the system is
undergoing hardware improvement through all its subsystems. Since the
production of the missile was commenced also in the USA, the missile
has been updated with more advanced computers, designed to form-fit
into existing missiles, resulting in improved performance and lower
cost.
Block 3 will expand the missile's intercept envelope, to include the
anticipated Iranian unconventional threat. The Block 3 missile
completed system integration and testing, this version was used during
all three tests, conducted in 2004 and 2005. The Arrow program is
currently developing Block 4 which is expected to become operational
long before the Iranian threats against which it was developed are
expected to enter the Mid-East Theater. "We are evaluating what are
the characteristics of a future nuclear threat and prepare our
defenses to be ready for it well in advance of such threat".
 Citron Tree Battle Management, command, Control and Communications
(BMC3) system, developed by Tadiran Systems, is one of the world's
most advanced net-centric system, This computing network is built
around a huge software application including some two million lines of
code, performing real-time sophisticated computations, of calculating
intercept, assigning launchers to specific threats, and assessing the
effects, probabilities and threats of each intercept to enable maximum
defense for the protected areas. Citron Tree's net-centric
interoperability was operationally proven during Operation Iraqi
Freedom (OIF), as it was integrated with coalition air defense units
(Patriot) and naval missile defense systems, deployed in the East
Mediterranean and other locations in the region. The Arrow command and
control facility has recently moved from its previous shelter
facilities into a new spacious bunker, fully protected from nuclear,
chemical and bacteriological threats. Defense Update was allowed to
photograph this facility for the first time.
As the U.S.
Thaad
system entered production, by the end of 2006, Israel is
interested in integrating its into its missile defense program with
deployable U.S. missile defenses, such as the ground based THAAD and
naval AEGIS SM-3 systems. Such integration will enable full
interoperability between Israeli made Arrow, and U.S. Patriot missiles
and the new missile interceptors developed for the US Missile Defense
Agency, to enhance defenses against potential nuclear attack from
Iran, if and when this country acquires nuclear capability for its
long range missiles.
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