Germany activates the Arrow 3 system and strengthens its alliance with Israel

In a historic ceremony at the Holzdorf Air Base, Germany deployed the Arrow 3 missile defense system for the first time, a technology developed in Israel that will now protect German territory and key NATO structures.

The event, attended by senior Israeli defense officials and international media, marks a milestone in military cooperation between the two countries.

Amir Baram, Director General of the Israeli Ministry of Defense, emphasized the symbolic weight of the moment: "It's astonishing to see Israeli technology defending Germany, despite the history of the Holocaust."

The agreement, valued at 3.6 billion dollars, is the first export of Arrow 3 and makes Germany the first country to operate the system outside Israel.

The system, the result of decades of joint research between Israel and the United States, intercepts medium-range ballistic missiles outside the atmosphere using hit-to-kill technology, minimizing risks over populated areas.

According to the German Air Force, its incorporation closes critical gaps in European defense and creates a 360-degree protection architecture, complemented by the Patriot and IRIS-T systems.

The Luftwaffe's Chief of Air Defense, Lieutenant General Holger Neumann, highlighted that this project "was only possible thanks to the deep friendship and trust between Germany, Israel, and the United States."

For Berlin, the war in Ukraine and regional instability have demonstrated the urgent need for a robust and proven missile defense shield.

In Israel, the assessment of Arrow's performance reinforces the system's reputation. After its decisive role during the massive Iranian attacks between 2023 and 2025—in which it intercepted most of the ballistic missiles launched against Israeli territory—several countries have shown interest in acquiring it.

Nevertheless, Jerusalem warns that it is not willing to sell it to just any nation, given its strategic sensitivity.

Retired General Ran Kochav, former Chief of Israeli Air Defense, recalled that Arrow 3 is "the only system in the world that has demonstrated, in real combat, its ability to intercept ballistic missiles."

He also noted that the agreement with Germany will generate thousands of high-tech jobs in Israel and will consolidate its global leadership in air defense.

The visit of Israeli officials to Germany also allowed progress on another pillar of bilateral cooperation: the new submarines that Berlin is building for the Israeli Navy, considered by foreign publications as part of the country's deterrent triad.

Although Israel has never confirmed nuclear capabilities, these submarines have played an increasing role in defensive operations during recent conflicts with Iran, Yemen, and Syria.

The deployment of Arrow 3, along with progress in naval agreements and collaboration in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, demonstrates that the relationship between Berlin and Jerusalem remains strong even after the war with Hamas.

The upcoming visit of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to Israel, as part of the 60th anniversary of bilateral relations, underscores the depth of this alliance, which is increasingly indispensable for European and Israeli security.