Israel has confirmed the first operational use of its Arrow-3 system to stop an inbound missile, marking a significant milestone in the country's air-defense capabilities. In response to a claim by Houthi militants, an Iran-backed group in Yemen, that they fired a salvo of ballistic missiles towards Israel, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) announced that they were able to counter the attack. One projectile heading towards Israeli territory was identified and intercepted above the Red Sea by the Arrow-3 system.

The Arrow-3 system, a joint development effort with the US, has been deployed since 2017 and has now effectively neutralized an incoming threat for the first time. It is a follow-on and complementary system to the Arrow-2 unit, which was first deployed in 2000 and has already been used twice during the recent Israel-Hamas conflict.

Both the Arrow-2 and Arrow-3 systems employ two-stage solid-fueled interceptors and provide multi-layered defense against short- and medium-range ballistic missiles. The Arrow-2 operates in the upper atmosphere, while the Arrow-3 is capable of eliminating threats in space, making it an integral part of Israel's air-defense network.

The layered defense system is designed to protect Israel's territory spanning almost 9,000 square miles from various types of threats including missiles, rockets, artillery, and drones. Below the Arrow systems in the defense network is David's Sling, which engages medium- to long-range rockets and missiles. The Iron Dome, the most well-known system, intercepts short-range artillery fire and rockets. Israel also utilizes the MIM-104 Patriot missile defense battery capable of neutralizing a wide range of aerial threats.

With multiple adversaries such as Hezbollah militants from Lebanon, Houthi militants from Yemen, and Hamas militants from Gaza launching attacks from different directions, Israel's air-defense network is being put to the test. The IDF revealed that approximately 9,500 projectiles have been launched at Israel since October 7, with 2,000 of them intercepted.

The successful deployment of the Arrow-3 system demonstrates Israel's commitment to enhancing its defense capacity and ensuring the optimal protection of its home front. By working together with other air-defense systems, the Arrow-3 system significantly strengthens Israel's ability to counter threats from long-range ballistic missiles.

Following the recent operational use of Arrow-2, Israeli forces have taken additional defensive measures by relocating ships capable of launching missiles to the Red Sea. However, it is unclear if any new defensive measures have been implemented in response to the latest Arrow-3 interception.

In a separate incident, US officials reported that Houthi militants shot down an American MQ-9 Reaper drone off the coast of Yemen, marking the second time in recent years that the militant group has done so. The US forces have intercepted missiles and drones believed to be directed towards Israel in the past.

As tensions persist in the region, Israel continues to rely on its advanced air-defense network to protect its territory and population from incoming threats. The successful use of the Arrow-3 system demonstrates the effectiveness of Israel's multi-layered defense strategy and its commitment to maintaining its security.