Arrow 2
Israel's operational exo-atmospheric and upper endo-atmospheric ballistic missile defence interceptor, designed to destroy incoming ballistic missiles during their terminal descent phase at altitudes of 50-100 km. Developed jointly by Israel Aerospace Industries and Boeing under the Arrow programme (the first operational ballistic missile defence system outside of US systems), Arrow 2 uses the IAI Elta Green Pine AESA radar for long-range search, track, and fire control, with the interceptor using a fragmentation-blast warhead directed by an infrared seeker for endgame guidance. The Arrow 2 has been tested over 20 times with a high success rate and has been operationally deployed since 2000, protecting Israel against Iranian and Syrian ballistic missile threats. The system can engage missiles with ranges up to 3,000 km at altitudes up to 100 km. Arrow 2 has been continuously upgraded with improved software, radar processing, and interceptor capability throughout its service life.

- Combat-proven; intercepted Houthi ballistic missile (2023)
- Provides endo-atmospheric layer complementing Arrow 3 exo-atmospheric
- Fragmentation warhead effective against ballistic missile warheads
- Integrated with Green Pine radar for long-range tracking
- Older system; intercept performance below Arrow 3 against advanced threats
- Endo-atmospheric intercept means debris falls in defended area
- High cost per interceptor
- Limited against maneuvering warheads and hypersonic glide vehicles
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Ammunition capacity versus protection trade-off here reflects deliberate doctrinal choices worth examining.