Israeli Cooperative Programs

The Israeli Cooperative Programs line item (PE 0603913C) within the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) budget supports bilateral research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) activities between the United States and Israel. The primary objective of this program is to enhance Israel's indigenous missile defense capabilities while ensuring interoperability with U.S. missile defense systems. The program is executed under a Memorandum of Understanding signed in September 2016, which commits the U.S. to provide annual missile defense funding to Israel through FY 2028. This funding is distributed between RDT&E and procurement activities, with Israel providing matching contributions, including both financial and non-financial resources.

Arrow Weapon System (AWS) is a key component of the Israeli Cooperative Programs, focusing on defending against medium-range ballistic missile threats. The AWS encompasses the development and integration of Arrow-2 and Arrow-3 interceptors, advanced radar systems (Green Pine and Super Green Pine), the Citron Tree Battle Management Center, and the Hazelnut Tree Launcher Control Centers. The program's current goals include Block 5 and Block 6 upgrades, which enhance detection, tracking, and engagement capabilities through new sensor suites like the Airborne Early Warning System (ABEWS) and the Sharp Eye ground-based sensor.

The development of the Arrow-4 interceptor and Pine Woods Radar is also underway to address future threat environments. Program objectives for FY 2025 and FY 2026 include continuing Arrow-4 interceptor and launcher development, completing Block 5.1 and advancing Block 6.0 (moving from preliminary to critical design review), and integrating new radar and optical sensors. The program also plans to conduct Arrow-4 interceptor flight tests, initiate production of long-lead items, and begin the engineering and manufacturing development phase for Arrow-4. These efforts aim to expand the defended area and improve the system's ability to counter evolving missile threats.

Supporting the AWS, the Israeli Test Bed (ITB) provides a platform for experiments evaluating human-machine interfaces, battle management, and the integration of missile defense weapon systems. The ITB's objectives are to refine techniques, tactics, procedures, and concepts of operations through ongoing experiments and exercises. This ensures that Israeli and U.S. systems can operate together effectively in complex threat environments.

The Israeli Systems Architecture and Integration (ISA&I) project conducts studies to define Israel's missile defense architecture for the 2040 timeframe. This includes identifying preferred architectural solutions, assessing regional threat scenarios, and evaluating interoperability options with U.S. systems. The ISA&I supports long-term planning and ensures that future investments align with anticipated threats and operational requirements.

Short Range Ballistic Missile Defense (SRBMD) / David's Sling Weapon System (DSWS) is the second major project under the Israeli Cooperative Programs. DSWS is designed to counter short-range rockets, air-breathing threats, and theater ballistic missiles. The system includes the Stunner interceptor (with electro-optical and all-weather variants), a Missile Firing Unit, Multi-Mission Radar Next Generation (MMR-NG), and the Golden Almond Battle Management Center. The primary goal is to provide robust, layered defense and increase the versatility and capacity of Israel's air defense architecture.

For FY 2025 and FY 2026, the DSWS program is focused on completing Block 3.0 upgrades, developing and fielding the all-weather Stunner interceptor, improving the MMR-NG, and expanding the Golden Almond BMC's capabilities. Block 3.15 and 3.2 spirals will further enhance detection, tracking, and engagement of a broader range of threats. System flight tests and integration activities are planned annually to validate performance and ensure timely delivery of new capabilities to Israeli defense forces.

Across both AWS and DSWS, the acquisition strategy is managed jointly by the MDA and the Israeli Missile Defense Organization (IMDO), with contracts awarded based on what is most advantageous to both governments. Major Israeli defense contractors such as Israel Aerospace Industries (for AWS) and Rafael (for DSWS) serve as primary performers, with significant subcontracting to both Israeli and U.S. companies. This collaborative approach ensures that the systems are delivered on time, on budget, and meet the evolving needs of both nations' warfighters.