Israel has commissioned Israel Aerospace Industries to manufacture more Arrow missile interceptors, integral to the country’s layered air defense framework.
Jointly developed with the US Missile Defense Agency, the Arrow system is an exo- and endo-atmospheric anti-ballistic missile with an operational range of 2,400 kilometers (1,500 miles) and a maximum altitude exceeding 100 kilometers (62 miles).
The system saw significant use during Israel’s 12-day military engagement with Iran in June, reportedly exhausting much of the interceptor inventory. This new production order was issued shortly before Israel announced a defense budget increase of 42 billion shekels ($12.5 billion), planned for 2025 and 2026.
Israel’s current annual defense budget stands at 110 billion shekels ($32.7 billion), making up roughly 9% of its GDP. The enhanced funding will allow the Ministry of Defense to accelerate acquisition of key military systems vital to national security.
