Israel intercepts Iranian missile in space; what is exoatmospheric interception, and Arrow 3 features

Israeli air‑raid sirens blared throughout the nation as Iran launched a coordinated missile barrage towards Israel on June 13. In a second that captured the world’s consideration, an Arrow 3 hypersonic interceptor launched by the Israel Protection Forces (IDF) efficiently hit an incoming Iranian ballistic missile at an altitude of 100 km, in a surprising demonstration of an exoatmospheric intercept. The Iranian missile was destroyed by a Boeing Arrow 3 anti-ballistic missile system in house.

As dozens of Iranian missiles soared towards Israeli skies, the latter’s multilayered air-defense defend was activated. Lots of the Iranian missiles have been intercepted, whereas some additionally discovered their goal. Probably the most notable hit by Iran was on HaKirya or The Kirya, the headquarters of Israel Protection Forces in Tel Aviv.

The Boeing Arrow 3 system

The Arrow 3 system, known as Hetz 3 by Israel,is designed to function in exoatmospheric interception, that’s, outdoors Earth’s ambiance, targets threats throughout their space-bound midcourse, earlier than they might descend on populated areas.

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The hypersonic anti-ballistic missile has been deployed to sort out intercontinental ballistic missiles earlier than they reenter the Earth’s ambiance. Arrow 3 is a joint growth undertaking of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Boeing for the Israel Protection Forces.
Extremely maneuverable with the power to take a 90-degree flip and a variety of two,400 km (1,500 miles), its kill car will also be used for focusing on enemy satellites.

What’s exoatmospheric interception?

It’s a “space-based” missile kill. In contrast to Iron Dome, which intercepts rockets below 70 km altitude, Arrow 3 strikes ballistic missiles within the space-flight portion, refined to hit them at speeds past Mach 5, with no explosives, relying as an alternative on a “hit‑to‑kill” kinetic strike.

Developed collectively by Israel Aerospace Industries and Boeing, and operational since 2017, Arrow 3 is a part of Israel’s upper-tier, long-range missile protection. Israel combines Arrow 3 and a pair of for high-altitude threats, David’s Sling for midrange, and Iron Dome for short-range rockets

Panic gave method to reduction as video emerged of the missile’s arc and its fiery obliteration in house.

The larger image

Iran’s missile-and-drone barrage, code‑named Operation True Promise 3, is the third such strike following April and October 2024 assaults. This newest salvo included round 150 ballistic missiles and over 100 drones fired at Israel on the night time of June 13, 2025.

The operation got here in direct retaliation for Israel’s Operation Rising Lion, the air and missile strikes on Iranian territory. Israeli forces struck deep into Iran, focusing on navy and suspected nuclear websites in Isfahan, Natanz, and Tehran.

Israel, in the meantime, vowed to reply firmly. Protection Minister Katz declared Iran “crossed purple strains” and affirmed, “We’ll proceed to guard residents and make sure the ayatollah regime pays a really heavy value.”