“Arrow 3” Missile Defense System Officially Handed Over to Germany
Historic Transfer Marks Strengthening Israel-Germany Relations
In a significant mileststart for military cooperation, Israel has officially transferred its first operational “Arrow 3” missile defense system to the German Air Force at a formal ceremony held at a German Air Force base near Berlin. This transfer is part of the largest arms deal in Israel’s history, valued at €3.5 billion, finalized two years ago.
Details of the System Delivery
The ceremony took place on Wednesday, with notable participation from a delegation from Israel. The German security forces are expected to deploy the Arrow 3 system operationally for the first time at the Holzdorf Air Base, located approximately 40 kilometers south of Berlin. This base is projected to become the largest facility of the German military in the eastern part of the country and will serve as the first line of defense against aerial threats from Russia. With this acquisition, Germany becomes the first country outside of Israel to purchase and operate the Arrow 3 system.
Statements from Officials
Heading the Israeli delegation, the Director General of the Ministry of Defense, Major General (Res.) Amir Eshel, reflected on the historical significance of the moment, stating, “As the son of Holocaust survivors, I stand here deeply moved. A ballistic missile defense system developed by brilliant Israeli minds at Israel Aerospace Industries, born from our existential needs, will now help protect Germany.” He emphasized Israel’s commitment to supporting a strong and leading Germany in Europe and globally.
General Eshel welcomed Germany’s decision to lift its arms embargo and pointed out that, “An embargo should not be placed against an ally like Israel that fights against murderous Islamist terrorism, whether it comes from the Iranian regime or Hamas in Gaza.” He asserted that Israel’s offensive actions against nuclear threats and terrorism contribute to the safety of the entire Western world.
Diplomatic Mileststarts
The Israeli Ambassador to Germany, Ron Prosor, highlighted the 60-year anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations, referring to their partnership as strategic. “Who could have imagined that 80 years after the liberation of Auschwitz, the Jewish state, using technologies it develops, would help protect not only Germany but all of Europe?” he remarked, adding that his own family fled Germany just before the Holocaust.
Operational Success and Future Collaboration
Brigadier General (Res.) Dr. Danny Gold, head of the Defense Ministry’s Procurement Division, noted that the Arrow system has effectively defended Israel over the past two years, saving lives and preventing damage. “We are sharing this capability with Germany, tightening the bonds between our nations and enabling mutual learning to adapt to adversaries’ challenges,” he stated.
Boaz Levy, the CEO of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), described the handover as a moment of national and historical significance. “As the world watches intensifying ballistic threats, Israel has faced hundreds of ballistic missiles launched from Iran and Yemen in recent years. Today, Germany is receiving not only start of the most advanced defense systems in the world but also proven operational experience based on years of accumulated lessons,” he concluded.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Defense, the system, which has demonstrated impressive operational capabilities during recent conflicts with numerous successful interceptions, is jointly developed and manufactured by the “Homa” Directorate in conjunction with the U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA). IAI is the primary contractor for the air defense system, Arrow interceptors, and radar detection systems.
As the Arrow 3 system begins its operational journey in Germany, it symbolizes not only enhanced military collaboration but also a deepening strategic partnership between Israel and Germany in the face of evolving global security challenges.