Israeli Ministry of Defense has announced that Germany had begun preparations for the delivery of the Arrow 3 systems. Earlier reports indicated that deliveries were expected by the end of 2025.
Germany’s interest in the system first emerged in March 2022, when German media reported that Berlin was considering the acquisition to defend against russian missiles. By 2023, a $3.5 billion contract was signed, marking the largest defense export in Israel’s history.
Read more: Once Promised to Ukraine, DragonFire Combat Laser Needs Two More Years and €1.2 Bln to Enter Production
However, the sale required approval from both Israel and the United States, as the Arrow 3 is a joint development. The U.S. eventually approved the deal in 2023.
The Arrow 3 system uses exoatmospheric hypersonic interceptor missiles that operate on a "hit-to-kill" principle, with a maximum range of 2,400 km. It is designed to intercept ballistic missiles, including intercontinental ones, in the vacuum of space. The system is also reportedly capable of being used as an anti-satellite weapon.
Currently, Germany’s only missile defense system is the Patriot PAC-3, which can intercept targets at altitudes of 20–30 km, depending on the source. The addition of Arrow 3 will significantly strengthen Germany’s missile defense capabilities.
However, while the Arrow 3 is optimized for intercepting ballistic missiles in space, it is not effective within the atmosphere. To address this, Germany also plans to acquire the Arrow 4 system. While the name may suggest a more advanced capability, Arrow 4 is actually inferior to its predecessor in several respects. Still, it will fill the capability gap between the Patriot PAC-3 and the Arrow 3.
In just a few years, Germany is building a layered missile defense system almost from scratch, one that could potentially protect all of Europe.
Read more: Video Emerges of Small Black Arrow Cruise Missile Launched from AC-130J Ghostrider Aircraft
