Germany formally accepts Arrow 3 exo-atmospheric missile defence system from Israel
December 4, 2025
Germany has accepted the Israeli-supplied exo-atmospheric surface-to-air missile defence system to guard against ballistic missile attacks. The event marks an important step in developing a powerful layered air defence system.
Arrow 3 handed over to Germany
AGN recently reported that the German Army was preparing to accept into service its new ultra-high-altitude Arrow 3 air defence system. The formal ceremony took place on Wednesday at a German Air Force base near Berlin.
At the ceremony, Israeli IMOD Director General Amir Baram said, “As a second-generation Holocaust survivor, I stand here deeply moved because a ballistic missile defence system, developed by the finest Jewish minds in Israel’s aerospace industry, out of our existential necessity, will now help defend Germany.”
He added Israel “deeply appreciates” that its systems are included in Germany’s drive to rebuild its military. He added that the event is just the beginning of Israeli and German defence cooperation in air, land, and space domains.
Defense Ministry photos from the Arrow 3 handover to Germany today. https://t.co/G84uLAkzFM pic.twitter.com/0OxFonixA0
— Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) December 3, 2025
Not all words were sunshine and roses with the Israeli delegation saying Germany should not have imposed the arms embargo during the war in Gaza, but added it was commendable that the embargo had now been lifted.
Germany’s expanding air defence network
Arrow 3 is to be the highest layer of Germany’s air defence network. Previously, Patriot systems provided the highest level of air defence for Germany; some of these systems have been donated to Ukraine. Germany is ordering replacements.
Current mid-range air defence is provided by Patriot and the naval Evolovel Sea Sparrow Missile. Germany is also in the process of purchasing a large number of IRIS-T SLM for air defence.
Short range is provided by MANTIS, Skynex, and Skyranger.
Bolstering its layered air defence is just one aspect of Germany’s rearmament. One notable area where Germany has swung 180 degrees is with drones.
For years, Germany was one of the countries saying drones should not be weaponised and criticised the US for its drone strikes during GWOT.
Now, Germany is blazing ahead with a requirement for 400 advanced combat drones that it wants in service by 2029. US drone manufacturers like Andruil, General Atomics, Boeing, Kratos, and others are lining up to build their combat drones in Germany.
Get the latest aerospace defence news here on AGN.
Israel’s layered air defence network
The contract was first signed around two years ago and represents the first export order for the Israeli-American Arrow 3 system. It is also the largest defence export order in Israel’s history.
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) serves as the prime contractor for developing the air defence system’s radar, interceptors, and detection systems. Other key Israeli contractors include Elbit Systems, Tomer, and Rafael Advanced Defence Systems.
The Arrow 3 system was a key part of Israel’s air defence during the 12 Day War with Iran in countering Iranian ballistic missiles. The Israeli delegation stated the system “operated with exceptional precision and demonstrated its ability to counter massive and complex barrages.”
The Iron Dome has an impressive 90% interception rate.
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) November 11, 2023
This the state-of-the-art defence system is undoubtedly a marvel of modern military technology.
But it comes at a cost… pic.twitter.com/Joe4fFhA7p
While Iron Dome is the most famous air defence system in Israel’s layered air defence system network, it is only one and is a low-level system designed to intercept short-range rockets, artillery, and mortars.
David’s Sling is a medium-range air defence system, while the Arrow System is designed for long-range ballistic missiles. Arrow 2 intercepts ballistic missiles in the upper atmosphere, while Arrow 3 is the highest layer intercepting missiles in space. Israel is currently developing the Arrow 4 system.
Additionally, Israel is planning to bring its new Iron Beam laser system into service at the end of the month to serve as a defence against rockets, drones, and mortars.
During the conflict, US-made THAAD and Patriot systems also protected Israeli skies.
Featured Image: Germany at NATO
