On February 19, 2018, at 2:30 a.m. local time, the U.S. Missile Defense Agency and the Israel Missile Defense Organization successfully completed a flight test of the Arrow 3 long-range anti-ballistic missile that is designed to defend against ballistic missiles outside of the atmosphere.

The Israel Missile Defense Organization (IMDO) of the Directorate of Defense Research and Development (DDR&D) and the U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA) conducted a successful first engagement of a ballistic missile target with the Arrow-3 interceptor. (Picture source US Missile Defense Agency)

The test of the Arrow 3 anti-ballistic missile system was conducted at a test site in central Israel and was led by Israel Aerospace Industries, in collaboration with the Israeli air force. The MDA, as system co-developer, supported the test. The primary contractor for the integration and development of the Arrow Weapons System is MLM of IAI. America's Boeing partnered with MLM to develop and produce the Arrow 3 interceptor.

The Arrow 3 weapons system is a major part of Israel's multilayered defense array. This array is based on four layers including Iron Dome and David's Sling, and the Arrow 2 and Arrow 3 missile systems. The success of this test is a major milestone in the operational capabilities of Israel and its ability to defend itself against current and future threats in the region.

The Arrow 3 is the latest development of Arrow anti-ballistic missile jointly developed by by Israel and United States. An Arrow 3 battery is expected to intercept salvos of more than five ballistic missiles within 30 seconds.

On February 25, 2013 a fly-out test of the Arrow 3 was conducted from Palmachim Airbase. The launch tested the missile control and engines. In January 18, 2017, Israel’s Missile Defense Organization (IMDO) transferred the first operational Arrow-3 anti-ballistic missile interceptors to the Israeli Air Force.