The handover ceremony for the long-range Arrow-3 missile system took place on 3/12/2023 at Holzdorf Air Base in eastern Germany, approximately 120 km south of Berlin. Beyond this base, Arrow-3 systems will be deployed at other locations across Germany in the future.
Berlin signed an agreement to purchase the Arrow-3 system from Tel Aviv in 9/2023. Valued at USD 4,4 billion, this contract became the largest arms export deal in Israel's history. The completion of this transaction marks the first time the Arrow-3 system has been deployed outside Israel and the US. It is also the first instance of the system being independently operated by another nation.
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A launcher for the Arrow-3 air defense system at Holzdorf Air Base, Germany, on 3/12/2023. Photo: AP |
Amir Baram, an official from the Israeli Ministry of Defense, stated, "The handover ceremony is just the beginning for Israel and Germany. The cooperation between the two countries will continue to be strengthened and deepened, whether in the air, on land, or in space."
Israeli Ambassador to Germany Ron Prosor emphasized that Berlin is Tel Aviv's most important ally in Europe. He added that Israeli-developed technology not only protects Germany but also the entire continent.
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and US company Boeing jointly developed the Arrow ballistic missile shield. The Arrow-2 version has been deployed since 2000, capable of intercepting threats in the upper atmosphere. The Arrow-3 variant became operational in 2017, capable of shooting down targets in space.
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Israel's multi-layered air defense network. |
Both Arrow versions use two-stage solid-propellant missiles. They have seen combat in recent years, serving as the outermost layer of Israel's multi-layered air defense network protecting its territory.
Israel has deployed Arrow systems for defense in recent conflicts with Iran and Houthi forces in Yemen. IAI CEO Boaz Levy noted that the Arrow system has faced unprecedented challenges, yet it has proven its capabilities with an interception rate of over 90%.
By Pham Giang (Times of Israel, Business Insider, AP)
