Israeli Cooperative Programs

Known as the Israeli Cooperative Programs is a joint effort between the United States and the State of Israel to develop and improve indigenous missile defense capabilities. The program, managed by the Missile Defense Agency (MDA), includes two major projects: the Arrow Weapon System (MD26) and the Short Range Ballistic Missile Defense David's Sling Weapon System (MD34). The specific goals of this program are to enhance Israel's capability to defend against short range rockets, cruise missiles, and short and medium range ballistic missiles. This involves developing and producing weapon systems, conducting tests, and exercising interoperability between the U.S. Missile Defense System and the Israeli Missile Defense Architecture. The program also aims to ensure that all systems are delivered with quality, on time, on budget, and meet the needs of the warfighter.

Under MD26, the Arrow Weapon System includes block upgrades to enhance capabilities against evolving medium range threats by increasing the total defended area. This involves developing Arrow-4 interceptor and Pine Woods Radar for integration into future AWS Blocks. The program also focuses on continued development of Arrow's interoperability with U.S. Missile Defense System. Meanwhile, MD34 focuses on countering short range rockets, air breathing threats, medium caliber rockets, and theater ballistic missiles through the David's Sling Weapon System. The specific objectives include system development, testing, integration of spiral software development for Blocks 2-3, and establishing interoperability between the U.S. Missile Defense System and Israeli Air Missile Defense Network.

Overall, these cooperative programs aim to strengthen missile defense capabilities in Israel while fostering collaboration between the U.S. and Israel in research, development, test & evaluation, and procurement funds.