Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) and his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant agree to cooperate closely on the introduction of the Arrow 3 air defense system into the Bundeswehr. The system is intended to close capability gaps in German air defense.
In Berlin, both ministers signed a Joint Declaration on military cooperation. Arrow 3 is an Israeli system developed with U.S. support. It is designed to intercept ballistic missiles outside the Earth’s atmosphere. To accomplish this purpose, it consists of a command post, radar sensors, launchers with four guided missiles each, and other peripheral equipment. The Missile Defense Organization (IMDO) and the United States Missile Defense Agency (MDA) were responsible for the U.S.-Israeli collaboration. The Defense Department hopes the weapon system will counter ballistic missile threats in the upper interceptor layer. Ideally, the system could strengthen critical infrastructure protection and national and alliance defense as early as 2025.
Both ministers welcomed the signature. Consequently, they had not only taken a further step in the procurement of a weapons system, but had also made history. Back in June, the Bundestag’s Budget Committee had released the funds for a pre-contractual agreement with the Israeli government. The U.S. government gave its approval to the planned procurement a month later.
“The Arrow system will make German air defense fit for the future,” said Minister Pistorius.
He added that Russia’s daily air attacks on Ukraine show how important air defense is.”With the Arrow 3 agreement, Israel is making an important contribution to our security in Germany, to our security in Europe and to the security of our airspace.”In addition, he said, the system could also be used in the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI). In addition, Pistorius renewed his invitation to other nations to join.
