Missile Arrow 2

Development of the Arrow program began in 1986 following a memorandum of understanding between Israel and the United States. The project was initiated to address the acquisition of long-range surface-to-surface missiles by regional states and to provide a more effective defense than existing surface-to-air systems. Following the Arrow 1 technology demonstrator, the Arrow 2 was developed for production and deployment. The system entered service in 2000.

The Arrow 2 is a two-stage, solid-propellant anti-ballistic missile designed for endo-exo atmospheric interception. It utilizes a dual-mode guidance system featuring a passive infrared seeker for tactical ballistic missile acquisition and an active radar seeker for low-altitude targets. Steering is controlled through thrust vectoring and four moving aerodynamic control fins. The missile carries a directed high explosive fragmentation warhead triggered by a proximity fuze. This warhead is designed to destroy targets within a set radius, differing from hit-to-kill systems that rely on kinetic impact. The system is optimized to intercept short and medium-range ballistic missiles and is designed to destroy targets at altitudes that prevent the scattering of nuclear, chemical, or biological agents over populated areas. It can discriminate between warheads and decoys and is capable of simultaneous engagement of multiple incoming threats. Supporting infrastructure includes the Green Pine or Super Green Pine active electronically scanned array radars, the Golden Citron battle management center, and the Brown Hazelnut launch control center.

Israel is the primary operator of the complete system, which is managed by the Air Defense Command. The first battery reached operational status in 2000, and the system is currently deployed at multiple sites. The Arrow 2 recorded its first operational intercept in March 2017 when it destroyed a Syrian S-200 missile. During the 2023 conflict following the Gaza war, the system intercepted a long-range ballistic missile launched from Yemen in October 2023. It was utilized again to intercept salvos of long-range ballistic missiles during Iranian strikes in April and October 2024. In May 2025, the system failed to intercept a missile fired from Yemen, which impacted near Ben Gurion Airport. While the complete system is not widely exported, components such as the Green Pine radar have been acquired by India. Reports indicate that the United States has previously vetoed the export of the full missile system to other countries. In 2025, reports indicated that interceptor inventories were reaching low levels due to ongoing combat use.