Occupied Jerusalem – Zaytoun News
In an unprecedented move in the history of Israel’s defense industry, Israel and Germany have signed an agreement for the sale of the advanced Arrow 3 missile defense system, marking the largest arms export deal ever concluded by Israel in terms of value and strategic significance. The deal reflects profound shifts in the European and international security landscape.
The agreement involves supplying Germany with the Arrow 3 system, a missile defense platform designed to intercept long-range ballistic missiles before they enter the Earth’s atmosphere. The deal was finalized following approval from the United States, as the system was developed under a joint Israeli-American partnership.
The value of the agreement is estimated at approximately $3.5 billion (around €3.2 billion), making it the largest military export contract in Israel’s history since its establishment.
Arrow 3 represents the latest generation of the Arrow missile defense program. It was developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Israel’s Ministry of Defense, in cooperation with the U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA). The system features advanced capabilities, most notably the interception of ballistic missiles outside the atmosphere, destroying threats in space using hit-to-kill technology. It also provides an upper defensive layer that complements other air-defense systems such as Patriot and IRIS-T.
Arrow 3 is considered one of the most advanced missile defense systems in the world and is specifically designed to counter long-range strategic threats.
Germany’s decision comes amid major security shifts across Europe, particularly in the aftermath of the Russia–Ukraine war and growing concerns over long-range missile threats.
Through this deal, Berlin aims to strengthen its ability to defend against ballistic missiles, close a strategic gap in Germany’s air-defense architecture, and contribute to the protection of European airspace within the framework of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
The Arrow 3 system is also expected to become part of a broader European initiative to enhance joint air and missile defense across the continent.
Given that Arrow 3 was developed in cooperation with the United States and incorporates U.S. technology, Washington’s approval was required for its export. The U.S. administration approved the deal, a move widely seen as further evidence of the depth of military cooperation among Israel, Germany, and the United States.
The agreement carries several important implications, including reinforcing Israel’s position as a leading exporter of advanced military technology, deepening military cooperation between Israel and Germany despite the historical sensitivities between the two countries, and integrating Israel indirectly into Europe’s evolving security architecture.
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