Overview
- The Bundeswehr put the first Arrow 3 elements into service at the Holzdorf/Schönewalde base, marking the system’s debut on European soil.
- Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said the capability provides early warning and protection against long-range ballistic missiles and strengthens NATO’s European pillar.
- Germany bought Arrow 3 in 2023 for about €3.6–3.8 billion, a deal requiring U.S. approval due to joint development with the Missile Defense Agency and Boeing.
- An Israeli delegation led by Defense Ministry Director General Amir Baram attended the handover, joined by senior officials including Danny Gold, Boaz Levy, and Moshe Patel.
- Arrow 3 intercepts ballistic missiles beyond the atmosphere at altitudes above 100 km with a reported 2,400 km range, will complement Patriot and IRIS‑T, and is slated for three sites integrated into the European Sky Shield to counter perceived Russian threats; IAI touts combat performance against Iranian and Houthi missiles.