Germany Officially Deploys Israeli-Made Arrow 3 System Near Berlin

Germany has begun operating the Israeli-made Arrow 3 ballistic-missile defense system, marking the first deployment of the system outside Israel and the completion of Israel’s largest defense export deal in its history, valued at $4.6 billion. The system, positioned at a newly designated site southwest of Berlin, is now on active alert as part of Germany’s broader effort to strengthen its layered air-defense network amid growing security concerns in Europe.

A Strategic Shield Around the Capital

German defense officials confirmed that the Arrow 3 launcher batteries, battle-management units, and long-range radars have been integrated into the nation’s air-defense architecture under “Operation European Sky Shield Initiative.” The system is designed to intercept long-range ballistic missiles outside the Earth’s atmosphere, providing Berlin with a high-altitude protective layer that did not previously exist.

According to German Air Force leadership, the deployment allows the military to “detect, track, and intercept high-speed ballistic threats” at unprecedented distances, offering a strategic umbrella over critical national infrastructure across central Germany.

Israel’s Largest-Ever Defense Export Deal Completed

The transfer of Arrow 3 marks the culmination of a $4.6 billion government-to-government agreement signed in August 2023. Not only is this Israel’s largest defense export deal ever, but it also reflects the growing defense industrial cooperation between Israel, Germany, and the United States. The system is jointly funded and co-developed by Israel’s Missile Defense Organization and the U.S. Missile Defense Agency, with production involving Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and several American partners.

Israeli officials stated that the completion of deliveries “demonstrates Israel’s strategic commitment to Europe’s security,” while also highlighting Arrow 3’s growing relevance as ballistic-missile threats increase worldwide.

Why Arrow 3 Matters for Germany

Germany has been rapidly expanding its missile-defense posture in response to:

• The threat of Russian long-range missiles

• Uncertainty regarding Europe’s strategic environment

• Berlin’s responsibility to protect allied airspace under NATO commitments

Arrow 3 fills the top tier of Germany’s planned multilayered system, which includes:

• Patriot PAC-3 for medium-range defense

• IRIS-T SLM/SLS for short-range missile and drone threats

• Arrow 3 for high-altitude, exo-atmospheric ballistic-missile interception

The combination marks Europe’s most extensive air-defense umbrella since the Cold War.

Capabilities of Arrow 3

Arrow 3 is one of the world’s most advanced exo-atmospheric interceptors. Key features include:

• Operational range exceeding 2,000 km (exact figures classified)

• Ability to intercept ballistic missiles in space

• A kill vehicle designed to destroy targets via kinetic impact

• High-end radar integration enabling early detection of launches

• Fast response time suitable for long-range ballistic threats

The system’s range allows it to provide coverage not only for Germany but also for parts of neighboring NATO states, effectively enhancing continental defense.

A Turning Point for the European Sky Shield Initiative

Germany leads the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI), a 21-nation effort focused on creating a continent-wide, interoperable air-defense network. With Arrow 3 now deployed, Germany becomes the first ESSI member to field a high-altitude interceptor capable of countering long-range ballistic missiles.

The move signals Berlin’s intention to position itself as the air-defense backbone of Europe, especially as several European militaries face aging or insufficient missile-defense capabilities.

Regional and International Significance

Security analysts note that Arrow 3’s deployment carries symbolic and strategic weight:

• It demonstrates Europe’s increasing reliance on non-European technology to plug urgent capability gaps.

• It strengthens defense ties between Israel, Germany, and the United States.

• It sends a deterrent signal amid Russia’s missile use in Ukraine and ongoing tensions with NATO.

Israel, for its part, gains a dramatic showcase of its missile-defense industry at a time when global interest in anti-ballistic systems is rising.

New Missile Defense in Europe

With Arrow 3 operational near Berlin, Germany has taken a decisive step toward creating one of the most sophisticated missile-defense systems in the world. The deployment closes a major capability gap in European airspace and underscores Berlin’s shift toward greater military preparedness.

As the European security landscape continues to evolve, Arrow 3 is poised to play a central role in protecting Germany—and much of Europe—from the most advanced ballistic-missile threats of the future.