Overview
- Germany placed the first Arrow 3 components into service on Dec. 3 at the Holzdorf/Schönewalde air base, the system’s first deployment outside Israel.
- Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said the capability brings early warning and protection against long‑range ballistic missiles while strengthening NATO’s European pillar.
- Berlin finalized the purchase in 2023 in a deal valued at roughly €3.6–€3.8 billion (about $4 billion), described by Israel as its largest defense export and cleared by the United States.
- Developed by Israel Aerospace Industries with the U.S. Missile Defense Agency, Arrow 3 intercepts targets outside the atmosphere with a range around 2,400 km, complementing Patriot and IRIS‑T.
- Germany plans three deployment sites to cover the country and integrate the system with ESSI and NATO, while Israeli officials say Arrow has proved itself against Iranian and Houthi ballistic missiles.