German-Israeli Defence Ties Strengthen with Focus on Arrow 3 at Paris Air Show
At the prestigious Paris Air Show, one of the world’s largest aerospace events, German State Secretary of Defence Benedikt Zimmer made a symbolic and strategic visit to Israeli defence industry pavilions, reaffirming Germany’s strong partnership with Israel in the field of missile defence. The visit drew attention to the growing cooperation between the two nations, especially in relation to the Arrow 3 missile defence system.
Despite strict French regulations banning the public display of offensive weapons and physically enclosing the Israeli exhibits behind black partitions, Israeli defence companies drew a steady stream of visitors, including high-ranking military leaders and heads of state. Zimmer's presence underscored Germany’s continued support for Israel's defence sector and highlighted the depth of trust that now defines their bilateral defence relationship.
Germany's landmark agreement to procure the Arrow 3 missile defence system from Israel was central to Zimmer’s visit. Signed in 2023, the deal is valued at around €4 billion, making it the largest defence contract in Israeli history. For Germany, this acquisition is not just a purchase—it's a strategic investment in national and continental security. The system will be integrated into the European Sky Shield Initiative, a multinational effort to bolster Europe’s defences against long-range missile threats.
Arrow 3, jointly developed by Israel and the United States, is one of the most advanced missile defence systems in the world. Unlike conventional systems that intercept threats within the atmosphere, Arrow 3 is capable of destroying ballistic missiles in space, outside Earth’s atmosphere. It uses hit-to-kill technology to neutralize threats like intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), making it an essential asset against high-altitude, long-range attacks.
The system operates with long-range radar and advanced command-and-control networks, enabling early detection and precise interception of threats at altitudes of over 100 kilometers. With a range exceeding 2,400 kilometers, Arrow 3 significantly extends Germany’s—and by extension, NATO’s—air defence shield.
Delivery of the Arrow 3 systems to Germany is scheduled by the end of 2025, with full operational capability expected soon thereafter. Once deployed, the system will mark a historic shift in Germany’s ability to protect its airspace and that of its allies, especially in the context of increasing global tensions and evolving missile threats.
Zimmer’s visit, while symbolic, served as a clear message that Germany values its defence partnership with Israel and is committed to the timely deployment and integration of Arrow 3. It also highlighted the broader European interest in Israel’s defence innovations, despite the political and logistical challenges faced by Israeli firms at international exhibitions.
In an increasingly unstable global environment, this growing German-Israeli defence collaboration sends a strong message of preparedness, technological excellence, and international cooperation in safeguarding the skies of Europe and beyond.
