Germany has signed a deal to acquire the Israeli-made Arrow 3 hypersonic missile system that will become a key part of Europe’s defence against air attack.
The signing of the deal in Berlin on Thursday was a “historic day” for both countries, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said at a news conference alongside his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant.
The transaction, valued at approximately $3.5 billion (3.3 billion euros), represents the largest-ever deal for Israel’s military industry.
Pistorius emphasized that the Arrow 3 system would enhance “German air defense readiness for the future.”
Germany has been advocating for NATO allies to strengthen collective air defenses in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The Arrow 3 system, capable of intercepting missiles outside Earth’s atmosphere, offers protective coverage to neighboring EU nations and has a mobile deployment capability.
Developed in collaboration with the United States, the system has been in use in Israel since 2017, defending against threats from Iran and Syria.
The sale required approval from Washington before finalization.
Gallant noted the significance of the partnership between Israel and Germany, acknowledging the historical context of the Holocaust, and described it as a step toward building a safer future.