HUNTSVILLE, Ala., Feb. 25, 2013 — The new Arrow 3 interceptor, which Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) are co-developing to enhance Israel’s ballistic missile defense, today successfully completed its first flight test.

Arrow 3 is the next-generation interceptor for the Arrow Weapon System jointly developed by Israel and the United States. It can be launched earlier and engage threats at higher altitudes outside the Earth’s atmosphere than previous interceptors.

“This successful test underscores the effectiveness of the decade-long cooperative relationship we have forged with IAI on the Arrow program and other international missile defense initiatives,” said Jim Chilton, Boeing vice president and general manager of Strategic Missile & Defense Systems. “Boeing is proud to help advance the Arrow program, which provides Israel with a proven asset in the country’s multi-tier anti-ballistic missile defense strategy.”
Today’s flight happened during a test of Israel’s national missile defense system conducted by the Israel Ministry of Defense and the U.S. Missile Defense Agency.

The test began at 12:52 a.m. Eastern time when the Arrow 3 interceptor launched from an Israeli test range and concluded with the interceptor being terminated over the Mediterranean Sea.

The Arrow system is the world’s first operational, national missile defense system. IAI, the prime contractor, is responsible for system integration and final interceptor assembly in Israel. Boeing, in addition to co-developing Arrow 3, provides several interceptor components for the in-service Arrow 2. Boeing produces major components and subsystems in Huntsville, Ala., and works with key partners across the U.S.

Source and photo: Boeing