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Breaking News: Israel and Germany Announced 2025 Deployment of Arrow 3 Missile Defense System.
Israel and Germany are advancing a strategic partnership with the planned deployment of the Arrow 3 missile defense system in Germany, set for 2025. This defense collaboration, approved by the United States and valued at $3.5 billion, was formalized last year in response to the threat of long-range ballistic missiles. In recent discussions, Israel's Ministry of Defense and Germany's Ministry of Defence, along with key defense contractors, emphasized the strategic importance of this system for bolstering European defenses.
As the top layer of Israel’s multi-layered missile defense, the Arrow 3 offers an extended interception range, aiming to neutralize exoatmospheric threats before they enter protected airspace (Picture source: Army Recognition)
The Arrow 3, jointly developed by Israel and the United States, is designed to intercept and neutralize long-range ballistic missiles outside Earth’s atmosphere. Using "hit-to-kill" technology, it intercepts threats before they reach their targets. The system features two-stage interceptors, the EL/M-2080 "Super Green Pine" radar, the "Golden Citron" battle management center, and the "Brown Hazelnut" launcher control center. These components work cohesively to track, target, and intercept incoming missiles.
In service since 2017, the Arrow 3 is employed by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) as the top layer in Israel’s multi-tiered air defense, complementing the Arrow 2, David’s Sling, and Iron Dome systems. It offers protection against intercontinental ballistic threats, including those armed with nuclear, chemical, or biological warheads. Its operational capacity was demonstrated in 2024, when it successfully intercepted Iranian missiles on April 14 and October 1, reinforcing its reputation as an essential element of Israel’s air defense architecture.
Coordination meetings for the German deployment were recently held at Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), under the direction of Moshe Patel, head of the Israel Missile Defense Organization (IMDO). Over two days, representatives from Israeli defense firms, including IAI’s MLM division, Elta, and Elbit Systems, as well as MBDA Deutschland, reviewed the technical specifications and logistical arrangements for this inaugural deployment in Europe.
As the top layer of Israel’s multi-layered missile defense, the Arrow 3 offers an extended interception range, aiming to neutralize exoatmospheric threats before they enter protected airspace. Sharing infrastructure with Arrow 2, it utilizes common launchers, command-and-control systems, and sensor networks. Recognized for its advanced interception technology, the Arrow 3 is widely viewed as a leading asset in the global missile defense landscape, providing precise countermeasures to emerging ballistic threats.
On July 19, 2019, the Israel Missile Defense Organization (IMDO) and the U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA) completed a flight test campaign for the Arrow-3 Interceptor missile (Picture source: US DoD)
The effectiveness of the Arrow 3 has been proven in real-world interceptions. In November 2022, the IDF carried out the first operational interception of the Arrow 3, successfully neutralizing a missile from the Red Sea region. This success was followed in 2024 with successful defenses against Iranian missile attacks, illustrating its extended-range interception capability.
The Arrow 3's international appeal is further demonstrated by increasing interest from other countries. In May of this year, multiple nations expressed interest in acquiring missile defense technology, underscoring global confidence in Israel's advancements in air defense. Meanwhile, Germany’s 2022 launch of the European Sky Shield Initiative has encouraged multinational defense cooperation, attracting interest from Switzerland despite its tradition of neutrality. This initiative may pave the way for broader defense collaborations to enhance collective European security.
As the project’s primary contractor, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) continues to support Israel's aerial defense capabilities under the DDR&D program, reflecting the country’s commitment to building strategic alliances and expanding the international reach of its defense industry. This partnership with Germany particularly emphasizes Israel's role in contributing to regional and global security efforts.