Israel and Germany on Track for 2025 Deployment of Arrow Missile Defense System

Israel and Germany are moving ahead with the historic deployment of Israel’s advanced Arrow 3 missile defense system on German soil, with delivery expected by the end of 2025. In recent meetings at Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), officials from both nations discussed the details of the $3.6 billion agreement, which marks the first time Israel’s missile defense technology will be stationed outside its own borders. The meetings included leaders from the Israel Missile Defense Organization (IMDO), the German Ministry of Defense, and representatives from several key defense contractors, including IAI, Elbit Systems, and MBDA Deutschland.

The Arrow missile system, which includes both Arrow 2 and Arrow 3 interceptors, was developed jointly by Israel and the United States to defend against long-range ballistic missile threats. It is known for its exceptional performance in neutralizing threats from high-altitude and exo-atmospheric missiles. The system’s deployment in Germany will offer Europe a cutting-edge defense shield at a time of growing missile threats.

This landmark agreement, initially signed in 2023, has been bolstered by the Arrow system’s performance in several key incidents. In April 2024, the Arrow 3 system successfully intercepted the majority of 120 ballistic missiles launched toward Israel by Iran. During another major assault in October 2024, the Arrow system provided robust defense against a wave of 180 missiles, although some managed to strike air force bases after the IDF had preemptively evacuated personnel and equipment. These successful defenses demonstrated the Arrow 3’s capability under intense pressure, building confidence in the system’s reliability for Germany.

Beyond providing Germany with one of the world’s most advanced missile defenses, the deal reinforces Israel’s reputation as a leading innovator in defense technology. The Arrow 3 project, led by the IMDO in partnership with the U.S. Missile Defense Agency, combines expertise from Israeli and American defense firms. IAI oversees the system’s development and production, while Elbit Systems leads the command and control development, and Tomer and Rafael Advanced Systems are key subcontractors for the Arrow-3 interceptor.

The German government’s decision to acquire the Arrow 3 system underscores the importance of Israeli-German defense ties, even as the current conflict has led Germany to restrict weapons sales to Israel. In a statement, Israel’s Defense Ministry highlighted the Arrow’s role as “the forefront of global technology,” capable of intercepting exo-atmospheric ballistic missiles with precision. Germany’s acquisition of this advanced missile defense technology represents a significant milestone, and the Arrow’s deployment is set to boost Europe’s defenses amid evolving regional threats.

The first Arrow-3 battery is anticipated to arrive in Germany by late 2025, with the possibility of an earlier delivery hinted in recent statements. As Israel and Germany finalize the logistics of this groundbreaking deal, the Arrow 3 deployment is poised to further secure both nations’ interests, solidifying an international defense partnership with a vision for peace and security.

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