Arrow 4

Next-generation strategic missile defence interceptor being developed to counter evolving advanced threats including hypersonic glide vehicles, manoeuvring re-entry vehicles (MaRVs), and future ICBM threats with advanced penetration aids. Arrow 4 is designed to address the limitations of Arrow 2 and Arrow 3 against next-generation ballistic missile threats that incorporate countermeasures, manoeuvring warheads, and multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicles (MIRVs). Development is led by IAI with support from the US Missile Defense Agency (MDA) under the bilateral Israel-US missile defence cooperation framework. Details remain largely classified, but the system is expected to feature advanced discrimination capability to distinguish real warheads from decoys, improved KKV manoeuvring for engaging agile targets, and multi-layer engagement capability spanning both exo-atmospheric and endo-atmospheric altitudes. Arrow 4 development was announced in 2021 with operational deployment expected in the early 2030s.