This short, IDF-supplied clip depicts something never before seen in the history of warfare: the kinetic interception of a ballistic missile 3 miles outside the Earth’s atmosphere. While we know Israel routinely shoots down missiles and rockets fired by aggressors, this first known use of the “Arrow” anti-ballistic missile system represents, quite literally, combat in space between two nations in conflict.

While nations such as the US and Russia have tested anti-satellite and ballistic missile intercept weapons on their own spacecraft (albeit not without risk, as in 2021, Russian testing created a large amount of debris which threatened the International Space Station), this is the first recorded instance of the hostile intercept of one party’s spacecraft by another. These are immutable facts, but I can’t help but take it further: Israel being a recognized state and governing body, and the Houthis being rebels, the score in the first quarter is as follows: Empire 1, Rebels 0.

Essentially a copy of the hilariously-named North Korean “Nodong 1” (the ‘compensating for something’ jokes write themselves), the Shahab-3 is a medium range ballistic missile with a range of 2000 km. It was supplied to the Houthi rebels by Iran, and fired from Yemen on 05 November, 2023.

While Israel’s Arrow (Hetz) missile system has been in use since 1994, the November 2023 launch is its inaugural real-time use in space. No other country utilizes the Arrow system, although Germany has been considering purchasing the system in light of the Ukraine conflict. This shootdown is certain to have an effect on those considerations.

About the Author

Cole Simms

Cole Simms is an Air Guardsman, NASA enthusiast, police officer, and security contractor with particular experience in austere environments. Outside of work, he volunteers as a Stop The Bleed instructor for area schools. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and blends his knowledge and experience to write analysis for Funker530.

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