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The strategic move aims to bolster the nation's aerial protection following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
Ap CorrespondentWednesday 03 December 2025 16:03 GMT
open image in galleryThe launcher of the new Arrow 3 missile defense system stands in front of the radome in Annaburger Heide, Germany, Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025. (Jan Woitas/dpa via AP) ((c) Copyright 2025, dpa (www.dpa.de). Alle Rechte vorbehalten)
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Germany has officially inaugurated the initial components of its advanced Arrow 3 missile defence system, acquired from Israel. The strategic move aims to bolster the nation's aerial protection following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
This sophisticated system, engineered to intercept long-range ballistic missiles, saw its first operational elements unveiled on Wednesday at the Schönewalde base, south of Berlin. Further installations are planned across the country.
Defence Minister Boris Pistorius underscored the significance of the acquisition, stating that "with the new system, Germany is for the first time obtaining early-warning and protection capability against long-range ballistic missiles."
“With this strategic capability, which is unique among our European partners, we are securing our central role at the heart of Europe,” Pistorius said in a statement. “So we are protecting not just ourselves but also our partners.”
open image in galleryThe launcher of the new Arrow 3 missile defense system stands in front of the radome in Annaburger Heide, Germany, Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025. (Jan Woitas/dpa via AP) ((c) Copyright 2025, dpa (www.dpa.de). Alle Rechte vorbehalten)Germany and Israel signed an agreement for Berlin to buy the system in September 2023, weeks after Israel secured U.S. approval for the deal. That was needed because the system was developed jointly with the United States.
Germany's Defense Ministry puts the total cost of the project at 3.8 billion euros ($4.4 billion). Spokesperson Mitko Müller said the plan is for further elements to be put in place step by step.
Germany aims to integrate the system into wider NATO and European air defense efforts.
Israel has long relied on a multilayered missile defense system, including the Arrow, to protect communities around the country from rocket barrages from militants in Gaza or Lebanon, and more recently from rebels in Yemen and from Iran.
