It is the largest arms deal in Israel’s history: the country has received the green light from the United States to sell its Arrow 3 missile defense system to Germany. Cost point: almost four billion euros.
According to the Defense Ministry, Israel has received US permission to sell its Arrow 3 missile defense system to Germany. The ministry said it was the largest arms deal in Israeli history. The US State Department communicated the government’s decision to Israel on Thursday.
US approval was considered the last major hurdle in the historic treaty between Germany and Israel. Negotiations on this began after the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine began last year. In the next step, representatives of the defense ministries of both countries and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) are to sign a declaration of commitment. Once approved by parliaments, the final treaty is expected to be signed towards the end of the year.
Payment from special funds
Israeli Defense Minister Joav Gallant spoke of a “significant decision” that would also benefit Israel’s economy. “It is also particularly significant for every Jewish person that Germany is buying an Israeli defense system.” Arrow 3 is a “groundbreaking system, the most advanced of its kind in the world, a power booster for Israel’s air defenses – and soon for those in Europe.”
The Bundestag’s budget and defense committees voted in favor of the purchase in June. According to Israeli information, the costs amount to almost four billion euros. The money is to be financed from the 100 billion special fund that was passed in response to the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine.
“Arrow 3” is a US and Israeli joint product. It was developed by IAI and Boeing. It can shoot down targets at altitudes of up to 100 kilometers, destroying long- and medium-range enemy missiles in and above the Earth’s atmosphere. A powerful radar is also used.
The system should be operational by the end of 2025 and become part of a European air defense system.