Germany on Thursday signed a deal to acquire the Israeli-made Arrow 3 hypersonic missile system that will become a key part of Europe’s defence against air attack.
‘Historic’ Missile Shield Deal
Germany signed a deal to acquire the Israeli-made Arrow 3 hypersonic missile system that will become a key part of Europe’s defence against air attack. The signing of the deal was a “historic day” for both countries, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said. Worth around $3.5 billion (3.3 billion euros), the sale is the biggest ever deal for Israel’s military industry. The Arrow 3 system would make “German air defence ready for the future”, Pistorius said.
The long-range Arrow 3 system, designed to shoot down missiles above the Earth’s atmosphere, is powerful enough to offer protective cover for neighboring European Union states. The system was developed and produced by Israel and the United States, and the sale had to be approved by Washington before it could be finalised. The system was first deployed at an Israeli air force base in 2017 and has been used to protect Israel against attacks from Iran and Syria.
The Sky Shield project would involve joint procurement for short-, medium- and long-range systems, including the German-made Iris-T, the American Patriot system and Arrow 3.
Arrow 3 System
Engine: Two-stage
Flight ceiling: >100km
Guidance system: Inertial navigation system gimbaled seeker
Launch platform: Rapid launch fortified underground silos
Manufacturer: Israel Aerospace Industries, Boeing
Maximum speed: Hypersonic
Operational range: 2400km
