Israel used Arrow 3 interceptor for the first time
Israel confirmed on Friday (November 10) that it had used its Arrow 3 missile interceptor against Iran-backed Houthi rebels, amid failed UN efforts to enforce a ceasefire in the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip.
Earlier on Thursday (November 9), the Israeli Army had announced that its hypersonic ballistic missile interceptor had successfully intercepted and destroyed a target coming towards Israel from the Red Sea.
“Israeli Air Defense this evening successfully launched an Arrow 3 interceptor, effectively intercepting a target launched towards Israel in the Red Sea area,” the Israeli Defense Ministry posted on social media platform X.
Arrow 3 interceptor used for the first time
According to the Times of India report, the launch of Arrow 3 interceptor was announced after Houthi rebels in Yemen claimed to launch a series of ballistic missiles on Israel. The Israel Defense Forces said in a statement that Arrow 3 was deployed in 2017. This was the first operational interception since deployment.
What is Arrow 3 Interceptor?
Arrow 3 interceptor is one of the world’s most advanced air and missile defense systems. Arrow 3 has been specifically designed to intercept long-range ballistic missiles. This missile has been made by Israel Aerospace Industries. The system is the result of a collaborative effort between the Israeli Missile Defense Organization and the US Missile Defense Agency. It was developed to prevent the threat of an attack by Iran. Hypersonic Arrow 3 reportedly operates at higher speeds and at higher altitudes than Arrow 2.
Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for Eilat attack
Yemen’s Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for the attack with ballistic missiles targeting Israeli military bases and sensitive areas including Eilat. This attack was intercepted and foiled by Arrow 3.
Meanwhile, UN human rights chief Volker Turk on Friday called for an investigation into Israel’s use of explosive weapons in Gaza. He said that the indiscriminate use of these weapons is causing a lot of damage in the Palestinian area. Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sari said that their armed forces launched direct attacks on several areas of Israel and fired ballistic missiles.
