Germany and Israel have begun preparations to deploy the Arrow-3 missile interception system in Germany.
The German government acquired the anti-ballistic missile from Israel Aerospace Industries in 2023 through a $3.5 billion deal after receiving approval from the United States. Berlin earlier said its air force expects to receive Arrow-3 by the fourth quarter of 2025.
The system, which includes the Arrow-2 and Arrow-3 interceptors, was developed jointly by the two nations in response to the threat of long-range ballistic missiles. It forms part of Israel’s air threat defense, including the Iron Dome missile shield.
Defense Spending Increase
The purchase reflects the increasing defense spending in Europe in response to Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Several governments have proposed expanding their military budget to boost NATO and better prepare for adversaries’ threats.
Sweden’s legislature is considering a total defense bill that allocates $16.2 billion for military spending from 2025 to 2023. In Norway’s long-term defense plan, about $60 billion will be invested over the next 12 years to boost its armed forces.