Unprecedented
Israel Hands Over Arrow 3 Missile Defense System to Germany in Historic Deal
This transfer comes amid evolving geopolitical dynamics, with Germany increasingly aligning with Western allies in countering threats from Russia and Iran, the latter of which has supplied ballistic missiles used in conflicts like Ukraine.
In a landmark ceremony today (Wednesday), Israel officially delivered its advanced Arrow 3 long-range missile defense system to the German Air Force, marking the largest defense export deal in Israeli history.
The handover took place at Holzdorf Air Base south of Berlin, signifying the first deployment of the Arrow 3 outside Israel and a significant boost to Germany's air defense capabilities amid heightened concerns over Russian missile threats.
Jpost reported:
According to the air force, "Geopolitical realities demand unprecedented modernization of the Air Force and the closing of critical capability gaps. With the acquisition of Arrow, the Air Force is taking a decisive step toward strengthening Germany's and Europe's air defense. This system is designed to intercept and destroy incoming medium-range ballistic missiles (MRBMs) at very high altitudes, well over 100 kilometers and thus outside the Earth's atmosphere.
Arrow utilizes so-called hit-to-kill technology, in which the interceptor missile directly strikes and destroys the target before the enemy warhead can enter the target area. This destruction at the edge of space is essential to minimize the danger posed by radioactive or chemical warheads and debris over populated areas ...
The national procurement from the German Armed Forces' special fund sends a clear signal to partners and fulfills a core requirement of this new era: ensuring security in all dimensions. The system is intended to form the top layer of a multi-layered defense shield, complemented by the Patriot systems. Phased Array Tracking Radar to Intercept on Target and IRIS-T SLM Infra-Red Imaging System–Tail/Thrust Vector-Controlled, Surface-Launched Medium Range, and is a central pillar of protection for Germany and its allies."
Valued at approximately €3.5-4.2 billion, the agreement, signed in 2023, represents a major milestone in Israel-Germany defense cooperation.
Developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) in partnership with Boeing and supported by the U.S. Missile Defense Agency, the Arrow 3 is designed to intercept ballistic missiles outside the Earth's atmosphere, offering protection against long-range threats.
German officials have emphasized its role in closing gaps in NATO's defense architecture, particularly in light of Russia's ongoing aggression in Ukraine.
The system achieved initial operational capability in Germany following on-schedule delivery, with full deployment expected by 2028-2030 as part of a broader €4 billion investment in layered air defense.
Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, hailed the deal as a testament to the strong bilateral ties forged from historical lessons, while German Chancellor Olaf Scholz described it as a "historic step" for European security.
The Arrow 3's proven track record, intercepting Iranian missiles during attacks on Israel in April and October 2024, proves its strategic value.