Germany and Israel sign agreement on the purchase of an American-Israeli missile defense system

(Patria) - Germany and Israel have signed an agreement on the purchase of the sophisticated Arrow 3 missile defense system, designed to intercept long-range ballistic missiles, AP reported.

This is Berlin's latest step to strengthen its air defense following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Germany aims to integrate the system into broader NATO air defense efforts. Last year, Berlin launched the European Sky Shield Initiative, which now includes 19 countries.

In August, Israel secured U.S. approval for the $3.5 billion deal, which was necessary because the system was jointly developed with the United States.

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant signed a memorandum of understanding in Berlin on Thursday for the purchase of Arrow 3.

"This is, without exaggeration, a historic day for both our countries," Pistorius told reporters, describing Arrow as "one of the best systems, if not the best."

"From the daily Russian attacks on Ukraine, we see how important air defense is," he added.

"Air defense is essential, especially for us here in the center of Europe."

Germany plans to start using Arrow in late 2025, and the system will then be built up step by step.

Gallant said that "with two simple signatures today, we have made history" and that Israel is "committed to timely and efficient delivery."

"This is a moving event for every Jew," he added, pointing to Israel's partnership with
Germany decades after the Holocaust and Germany's contribution to Israel's security.

"Just 80 years after the end of World War II, Israel and Germany are joining hands today to build a safer future for both nations," Gallant said.