FLASH NEWS
Germany puts ballistic missile shield into operation
2025-12-03 19:43:03 / BOTA
Germany's military has put into operation the first part of a ballistic missile defense system worth about $4 billion, aiming to better protect Europe at a time when tensions are high with Russia.
The Arrow system, manufactured in Israel and developed with support from the United States, will be part of the broader European Sky Shield initiative, which was launched shortly after Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which raised concerns about potential gaps in the air defenses of European NATO countries.
"For the first time, we are gaining the capability for early warning and protection against long-range ballistic missiles for our population and infrastructure," said Defense Minister Boris Pistorius.
"We are strengthening the European pillar of NATO and fulfilling a NATO planning obligation. We are demonstrating that Germany is taking responsibility," he added.
The agreement to supply the Arrow 3 system, signed in 2023, was described as the largest military export contract in Israel's history.
The system is designed to destroy long-range ballistic missiles flying above the Earth's atmosphere.
It consists of radar detection systems, missile launchers and a range of interceptor missiles that, according to reports, are capable of hitting targets at altitudes of up to 100 kilometers.
An Israeli delegation joined German military officials at Holzdorf air base in eastern Germany in a ceremony marking the official deployment of the first parts of the Arrow 3 system.
Wednesday's deployment marked the first time an Arrow system has been deployed outside of Israel, something the German Defense Ministry described as "a clear signal of the close ties and partnership between Israel and Germany."
Other elements are expected to be deployed to other locations in Germany once the system is fully operational.
According to Israeli media reports, Israel had deployed its Arrow 3 system to shoot down dozens of Iranian ballistic missiles during clashes last year.
The Arrow 3 system gives Germany long-range coverage, complementing Germany's current medium-range Patriot systems, as well as the short-range Iris-T missiles.
In total, 23 more countries have joined the European Sky Shield initiative, which is led by Germany. Berlin had proposed launching the initiative in August 2022./ REL
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