Germany Signs Historic Deal For Israeli Arrow 3 Hypersonic Missile System

The Arrow 3 system, a long-range defense system designed to intercept missiles outside the Earth’s atmosphere, possesses the capability to offer protective coverage to the neighbouring European Union states.

Arrow 3 is characterized as a “mobile system,” offering flexibility in deployment based on evolving security challenges. The agreement between Germany and Israel underscores the commitment to enhancing regional and international security.

Germany has signed a significant agreement to acquire Israel’s Arrow 3 hypersonic missile system, marking a historic milestone for both nations and bolstering Europe’s defense against air attacks. The deal, worth approximately $3.5 billion (3.3 billion euros), represents the largest-ever transaction for Israel’s military industry.

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, during a joint press conference with his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant, described the signing as a “historic day” for both countries. Pistorius emphasized the strategic importance of the Arrow 3 system in enhancing German air defense capabilities and preparing for future threats.

The acquisition of the Arrow 3 system is part of Germany’s broader efforts to strengthen NATO’s air defenses in Europe, a response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine in the previous year. Germany has been actively urging its allies to procure deterrence systems collectively, recognizing the significance of robust anti-air defenses.

Pistorius underscored the critical role of anti-air defense systems in the face of ongoing Russian attacks on Ukraine, emphasizing the relevance of the Arrow 3 for Germany’s national security.

The Arrow 3 system, lauded by Pistorius as “one of the best systems, if not the best,” is slated for implementation in late 2025. It will be seamlessly integrated into NATO’s wider air defense programs, further enhancing Europe’s collective security.

Berlin has also taken the lead in the European Sky Shield Initiative, an extensive air defense campaign spanning 19 nations. This initiative aligns with Germany’s commitment to strengthening air defenses across the continent.

The United States played a crucial role in the development of the Arrow system and granted approval for the German-Israeli agreement in August, solidifying the deal’s legitimacy.

Yoav Gallant, the Israeli Defense Minister, characterized the signing as a historic moment achieved through “two simple signatures.” Gallant expressed confidence in providing Berlin with timely and effective delivery of the Arrow 3 system.

Gallant also reflected on Germany’s remarkable transformation since the Holocaust, highlighting the country’s contributions to Israel’s national security and sovereignty. He referred to the deal as “a moving event for every Jew” and emphasized the joint commitment of Israel and Germany to building a safer future.

The Arrow 3 system, a long-range defense system designed to intercept missiles outside the Earth’s atmosphere, possesses the capability to offer protective coverage to the neighbouring European Union states. Developed and produced collaboratively by Israel and the United States, the system has been instrumental in safeguarding Israel against threats from Iran and Syria since its deployment at an Israeli air force base in 2017.

Arrow 3 is characterized as a “mobile system,” offering flexibility in deployment based on evolving security challenges. The agreement underscores the commitment to enhancing regional and international security.

Funding for the deal is drawn from a landmark 100-billion-euro fund unveiled by Chancellor Olaf Scholz, aimed at strengthening Germany’s defense capabilities in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The European Sky Shield Initiative has garnered support from more than a dozen European countries, although some, including France and Poland, have not yet joined the pact. France, in particular, has advocated for an air defense system based on European equipment. Germany anticipates the delivery of the Arrow 3 system in the final quarter of 2025, marking a significant step forward in bolstering Europe’s collective defense against air threats.