Israel has marked a historic moment in its defense relations, delivering the first operational Arrow 3 system to Germany. The formal ceremony took place at a German Air Force base near Berlin and represents a major milestone in the implementation of Israel’s largest defense export contract, valued at an estimated $4 billion. This agreement, finalized in late 2023, stipulated delivery of the system in 2025, a deadline met precisely.
A Multi-Layered Shield for Security
Arrow 3 constitutes the uppermost layer of Israel’s three-part air defense system, operating alongside Arrow 2. Beneath them lie David’s Sling as the middle layer and Iron Dome for short-range intercepts. This robust architecture has demonstrated remarkable effectiveness in protecting the State of Israel. The head of the Directorate of Defense Research and Development (DDR&D) at the Israeli Ministry of Defense stated that the Arrow system has saved lives and prevented significant damage over the past two years, enabling the Israel Defense Forces to carry out their missions.
Cutting-Edge Technology, Crafted by Israeli Industry
The production of the Arrow 3 system is undertaken by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), which serves as the prime contractor for the radar, interceptors, and detection system. Elbit Systems developed the command and control system, while Tomer, a government-owned company, and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems are key subcontractors for the development and production of the Arrow 3 interceptor. This collaboration underscores the deep technological expertise within the Israeli defense industry.
Battle-Tested: Proven Performance
The Arrow 3 system, developed in collaboration with the United States Missile Defense Agency (MDA) since the 1980s, has been successfully tested in real combat conditions. Its first operational interception occurred in November 2023, two months after the Hamas attack on October 7, when it was used against Iranian-backed Houthi ballistic missiles. Subsequently, Arrow 3 contributed to neutralizing several waves of Iranian ballistic missiles launched at Israel in 2024 and during the 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran in 2025. Even amidst intense military operations on multiple fronts, Israel remained committed to its delivery schedule for Germany.
Strategic Ties and Profound Historical Significance
The defense relationship between Germany and Israel is diverse, with Germany having already acquired the Trophy active protection system for tanks and Spike anti-tank missiles, while Israel has purchased German submarines and naval vessels. Recently, Germany also lifted an arms embargo that affected various Israeli defense components, a decision welcomed by Israeli officials. They argued that when Israel acts against nuclear threats, ballistic missiles, and terrorism, it is not only defending itself but also protecting the entire Western world.
At the Arrow handover ceremony, Israeli Ministry of Defense Director Amir Baram, a second-generation Holocaust survivor, spoke about the profound significance of the moment. „I stand here deeply moved because a ballistic missile defense system, developed by the finest Jewish minds in Israel’s aerospace industry, out of our existential necessity, will now help defend Germany,” he declared, expressing his desire for Germany to be „strong and prosperous, proud and leading in Europe and throughout the world.” Israel’s Ambassador to Germany, Ron Prosor, also referenced the historical context, stating that his family, who fled Germany on the eve of the Holocaust, „could never have foreseen this.”
